Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is one of the world's largest and oldest free zones, operated by DP World next to the deep-water Jebel Ali Port and close to Al Maktoum International Airport. It is the natural choice for trading, manufacturing, logistics and distribution businesses that need scale and direct sea-air connectivity.
Overview
Founded in 1985, JAFZA is the UAE's flagship trade and industrial free zone and a cornerstone of Dubai's logistics economy. Operated by global ports group DP World, it sits alongside Jebel Ali Port, one of the busiest container ports in the world, giving tenants seamless access to sea, road and air freight. The zone hosts thousands of companies, from multinationals to SMEs, across more than 1,500 approved activities.
Who it suits
JAFZA is designed for businesses that move physical goods at scale: importers, exporters and re-exporters, distributors, manufacturers, warehousing and 3PL operators, and industrial firms in sectors such as automotive, chemicals, food and building materials. Its port-side location and large land and warehouse plots suit companies needing heavy infrastructure and regional distribution reach.
Licences & activities
JAFZA issues trading, general trading, service, industrial, logistics and e-commerce licences, along with national industrial licences for qualifying manufacturers. Facilities range from offices and flexi-desks to warehouses, light-industrial units and large land plots for custom-built facilities. The approved activity list spans over 1,500 categories across trading, services, manufacturing and logistics.
Setting up
The typical process is: choose your activity, legal form (FZE, FZCO or branch) and facility type; submit your application and documents to JAFZA; obtain initial approval; sign your lease for office, warehouse or land; pay registration and licence fees; and receive your licence and establishment card before processing visas. Larger industrial setups involve additional facility and environmental approvals.
Accounting & audit requirements
JAFZA companies must keep proper books and are generally required to submit annual audited financial statements at licence renewal, prepared by an approved auditor under IFRS. Audited accounts are also key evidence for claiming 0% Corporate Tax as a Qualifying Free Zone Person, which is particularly relevant for trading and manufacturing income. AOPA member firms support JAFZA businesses with accounting, statutory audit, inventory and cost controls, and Corporate Tax compliance.
Frequently asked questions
Who operates JAFZA?
JAFZA is managed by the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority and forms part of global ports and logistics group DP World, sitting directly next to Jebel Ali Port.
What facilities does JAFZA offer?
JAFZA provides offices, flexi-desks, warehouses, light-industrial units and large land plots, making it suitable for trading, distribution and heavy manufacturing operations.
Do JAFZA companies need audited accounts?
Yes. JAFZA generally requires audited financial statements prepared by an approved auditor, typically at licence renewal, and these accounts also support any 0% Corporate Tax claim.
Why choose JAFZA for logistics?
Its position beside Jebel Ali Port and near Al Maktoum International Airport gives unrivalled sea-air connectivity, plus large-scale warehousing and land, ideal for import, export and distribution businesses.