UAE Business: Jafza beats challenges grows trade 19% in 2021 to $124bn – Gulf Digital News

UAE Business: Jafza beats challenges grows trade 19% in 2021 to $124bn – Gulf Digital News

Underpinning its status as a key pillar supporting Dubai’s economy, DP World’s flagship Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) generated over AED454.7 billion ($124 billion) in trade in 2021, up 19% year-on-year. The rise in trade compares to the AED382.8 billion facilitated by Jafza in 2020.

Complementing this growth was an 18.6% increase in the number of new companies registered in the free zone, bringing the total number to more than 9,000, a WAM report said.

More than 25% of the new companies registered in the free zone belonged to the retail and general trading segment, the highest representation in Jafza. This was followed by electronics and electrical with a nearly 10% rise, and the vehicle and transport sector which had more than 9% rise in numbers.

Progress in sectors

Several sectors in the free zone also recorded significant improvements in trade. The electrical and machinery sector topped, followed by construction materials, consumer electronics, and auto parts and spares.

Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director, DP World UAE & Jafza, said: "We are proud of what we have achieved over the years, especially since 2020, considering the challenges that reshaped global supply chains. Even as the pandemic disrupted trade operations, we succeeded in maintaining business