Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (Dafza), which was set up as a part of Dubai government's strategic plan to be an investment-driven economy, has been playing the role of a regional base for big international companies to start off manufacturing, distribution and service activities.

This independent authority, through creating an ideal business environment, has fulfilled the idea behind its establishment, says a spokesman for Dafza.

Several companies that had originally considered establishing regional offices in the Far East have now chosen Dubai Airport Free Zone (Dafz) as their preferred choice. Due to its prime location and state-of-the-art infrastructure, Dafz has already attracted 270 companies, many of which are high-calibre international blue-chip companies selected from more than 400 applicants.

Some of the companies that have set up their base at Dafz are: Boeing, Chanel, Estee Lauder, FedEx Logistics, IBM, Johnson and Johnson, Matsushita Avionics, Porsche, Ricoh, Rolls-Royce, Samsonite, Thomson Broadcast Systems, Juma Al Majid and many more reputable companies.

Dafz, which was established in 1996, was initiated as a part of Dubai Airport's $500 million expansion programme and became fully operational only in 1999 when the construction of its facilities was completed. Being at the threshold of the Asian and CIS markets has made Dafz an ideal base for any company seeking to service these enormous profitable markets.

Dubai's geographical location at the crossroads of the world, and its excellent networking with rest of the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent has given companies the delivery and logistical edge that their customers demand. The fact that Dubai Airport is already one of the most modern airports in the world has given Dafz, an added advantage.

Currently ranked amongst the top 50 international airports, Dubai airport handles over 12.3 million passengers, serves 91 international airlines and reaches out to more than 136 destinations.

Dafz, which is located on the north side apron of the airport, is just 15 minutes from Port Rashid and only 5 minutes from the city centre. This proximity, allows businesses to cut down response times and transportation costs and maximise efficiency and profitability.

Because of its location in the vicinity of the airport, activities at the zone focus on high-value, low volume products, which require a rapid access to markets. This has made Dafz an ideal location for businesses dealing in high-tech products, IT, luxury items, jewellery, light industry/assembling operations and activities related to the aviation industry.

We are the only airport-oriented free zone in Dubai. Companies that need to manufacture, store and move goods out by air at short notice will opt to invest in our free zone. We can help these companies meet their world demand from here, says director general of Dafz, Mohammed Al-Zarouni.

Why Dafz?
Dafz provides attractive business incentives including 100 per cent foreign ownership, a corporate tax holiday for 15 years renewable for an additional 15 years, no personal income tax, freedom to repatriate both capital and profits, full exemption of import duties and no currency restrictions. Dafz has a gateway for a market of over 1.5 billion people, making it an ideal location for companies looking forward to reap the benefits of operating in a free and fair business environment, says a spokesman for the company.

Services
The quality of service offered by Dafz has been recognised by the certification agencies and it was awarded the ISO 9001 in March 2000, for implementing a policy of quality assurance in all type of services provided to its customers at various stages.

Dafz offers one-window operation that ranges from staff recruitment, maintenance, 24-hour security and sponsorship of companies in their dealings with local government agencies, including the immigration authorities (naturalisation and residency) and customs authorities. Dafz also provides services such as sponsoring personnel of the companies and handling all employee related issues such as issuance of visas, residency, entry permits, health cards, and medical records.

Dafz's administration department handles the telecommunication applications of its companies, such as the Internet, ISDN, telephone and fax and assists the companies to carry out these transactions more efficiently. Dafz has already invested Dh1 million ($272,257) for applying an e-government service as part of its efforts to provide the best services for its customers. In an attempt to create a better working environment, Dafz provides a food court area with restaurants and cafes, banks, travel agencies, duty free shop and postal services, all in one place, he says.

The superior logistic services operated by Dnata and other well-known international companies such as Danzas, DHL, FedEx at Dafz has allowed companies to meet all cargo handling, storage and distribution needs efficiently and professionally with just-in-time delivery systems.

State-of-the-art infrastructure
The infrastructure at Dafz is truly world-class and it includes digital communications, satellite facilities, reliable power supply and ultramodern equipment and utilities.
In addition, other facilities have been provided for further business convenience. Dafz's business hall includes the conference room, which offers advanced visual aids, and occupies 115 sq m of space, enough to accommodate a large audience. Another facility is the business lounge, a spacious 93 sq m facility, meant to be a relaxing place for top managers and executives. Furthermore, it has a 99 sq m lecture room, designed for training and seminars conducted by companies at the free zone.

New expansion
Dafz has successfully rented 100 per cent of its current building and warehouses and phase 2 expansion of the new building has been successfully completed. The expansion includes a total office space of 10,830 sq m in the new building of which 41 per cent is already reserved and 14 warehouse units tailored to meet customers' needs. Also, it has already proceeded with phase 3 of expansion, which will include 2 new buildings and light industrial units.