Source : WAM
The Dubai Free Zones Council, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, held its 33rd meeting to discuss key topics, including strengthening government cooperation, advancing the business environment across free zones, and enhancing regulatory readiness to support their continued growth.
In the presence of Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, the Council explored ways to boost collaboration and achieve greater integration across free zones, aiming to facilitate ease of doing business, enhance the investor experience, and improve procedural efficiency.
The Council highlighted the success of integrated partnerships across initiatives designed to regulate the labor sector and simplify policies related to entry permits. This includes the widely used ‘Events Visa’ initiative and the deployment of 71 staff members within free zones on a 24/7 basis, which accelerates transaction completion, supports operational requirements, and enhances service readiness.
Additionally, the Council discussed a proposal to establish a unified platform for all free zones within an integrated system. This initiative aims to streamline procedures, strengthen institutional coordination, improve government service delivery efficiency, and boost the competitiveness of Dubai’s business environment.
The Council also reviewed the Dubai Cashless Strategy presented by the Dubai Department of Finance, emphasizing cooperation on digital payment initiatives and supporting the achievement of the strategy’s targets, reflecting a unified government approach toward creating a fully integrated digital transactions ecosystem.
Steps to improve compliance and readiness of free zones were also discussed, focusing on coordinated measures and due diligence to support the Financial Action Task Force assessment and mitigate risks related to money laundering and terrorism financing across all activities and legal entities.
The Economic Security Centre of Dubai highlighted challenges in opening bank accounts for companies licensed in free zones. To address this, standards for risk classification are being developed and aligned among stakeholders to simplify banking procedures, strengthen institutional cooperation, facilitate business operations, and minimize associated risks.
Marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Jebel Ali Free Zone, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed and Council members praised Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, and his team for Jebel Ali Free Zone’s remarkable achievements. The free zone has played a pivotal role in positioning Dubai as a global trendsetter, creating opportunities, and enhancing future readiness.
Jebel Ali Free Zone exemplifies Dubai’s emergence as a global hub for trade and logistics, supporting economic diversification and expanding the emirate’s investment base. It remains a key pillar in Dubai’s development journey, emphasizing innovation, comprehensive services, and connectivity by land, sea, and air.
