The positive performance during 2024 is the result of a commitment to economic diversification

During its 29th meeting, which was chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Free Zones Council, the Dubai Free Zones Council confirmed that the positive performance achieved by the free zones in Dubai during the year 2024 is the result of their commitment to economic diversification, in accordance with the vision of His Highness the Sheikh. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, to strengthen the pillars of sustainable growth based on enhancing competitiveness, proactiveness, and preparing for the future.

According to a statement issued yesterday, the Council renewed the keenness of the free zones in Dubai, during the coming year, to strengthen their supportive role in the goals of doubling the size of the Emirate of Dubai’s economy, and making it among the top three global economic cities by 2033, in accordance with the goals and objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda “D33”.

The Council stated that the free zones in Dubai recorded progress at various levels during the past 12 months, which constitutes an incentive to continue their effective development role and enhance their contribution to the Dubai economy during the year 2025, by facilitating doing business, benefiting from the innovative solutions of the economic accelerator system, and employing… The latest technologies, including artificial intelligence and big data analysis, for direct and proactive monitoring of economic data and business indicators.

The Council reviewed the results of a study on foreign direct investment and promising opportunities at the level of free zones in Dubai, by enhancing competitiveness and attracting new economy investments. He also discussed developments regarding special economic zones and dual licensing, and discussed enhancing cooperation between the free zone authorities in the Emirate of Dubai and the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, to enhance traffic safety in the free zones, and provide infrastructure facilities and an advanced transportation network for the residents of Dubai.

Council members praised the success of transferring all operations of the human resources approvals system in free zones in Dubai during the year 2024 to the “Dubai Digital Platform”, in cooperation with the Dubai Digital Authority, which improves the time for completing applications by 60%.

The Council also listened to a briefing on what has been accomplished so far in the new approvals system in free zones in Dubai, which speeds up operations, raises performance efficiency by 90%, and enhances cooperation between various entities, while benefiting from environmentally friendly infrastructure.

Members were briefed on the stages and developments in projects and policies, economic accelerators and technical solutions, including corporate tax, the 2030 free zone model, and the Financial Action Task Force compliance program, in addition to plans to enhance the attraction of Emirati talent and training in free zones in Dubai.

The Council praised the efforts of the work teams that work as one team on economic accelerator initiatives and programs and platforms to facilitate doing business in the free zones in Dubai, praising the cooperation from representatives of the authorities and work committees in achieving and implementing projects with efficiency and excellence.