JAFZA – Jebel Ali Free Zone

Overview

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is the UAE’s flagship freezone and one of the largest in the world, home to over 9,000 companies from more than 100 countries. Established in 1985, JAFZA sits adjacent to Jebel Ali Port, the largest man-made port globally and a critical node in international trade routes. This strategic location gives businesses direct access to shipping, warehousing, and logistics infrastructure that no other UAE freezone can match.

JAFZA spans over 57 square kilometres and offers a complete ecosystem for industrial and trading operations, including warehouses, light industrial units, land plots for custom-built facilities, and standard office space. It is operated by DP World and benefits from decades of institutional experience.

Ideal For

JAFZA is the natural choice for import-export companies, manufacturers, logistics operators, and general trading firms that need physical infrastructure. If your business involves moving goods through the region, warehousing inventory, or operating production lines, JAFZA provides the facilities and port connectivity that other freezones cannot. It also suits large enterprises that require substantial visa allocations and custom facilities.

Setup Process

Registration at JAFZA typically takes two to three weeks. The process includes selecting your licence type and business activities, submitting incorporation documents, signing a lease for your chosen facility type, and completing immigration formalities. JAFZA offers dedicated account managers for larger operations and has streamlined its digital application process in recent years.

Costs

First-year costs range from AED 30,000 to AED 60,000 for standard licence and office packages, though warehousing and manufacturing setups can exceed this significantly depending on facility size. JAFZA requires a minimum office or warehouse commitment, which raises the entry point compared to flexi-desk freezones. For detailed pricing, see our UAE Freezone Costs guide.

Pros and Cons

JAFZA’s direct port access is its defining advantage, making it unbeatable for supply chain operations. The freezone’s long track record and government-backed reputation mean excellent banking relationships and international recognition. The range of facility types, from small offices to large industrial plots, accommodates businesses at every scale.

On the other hand, JAFZA’s industrial location in the southwest of Dubai means it is far from the city centre and less convenient for client-facing businesses. Costs are higher than budget freezones, and minimum space requirements can deter smaller startups. For a centrally located trading alternative, consider DMCC.

Related Freezones

Consider DMCC for commodity trading from a central Dubai location, DAFZA for airport-adjacent logistics, or Dubai South for a cost-effective logistics alternative near Al Maktoum Airport.