JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority) is the world’s most successful free zone. Here is the complete 2026 business and industrial guide for companies considering JAFZA.
In this guide:
JAFZA Overview
- Location: Jebel Ali, Dubai; adjacent to Port Jebel Ali
- Established: 1985; world’s first free zone of modern type
- Port: Port Jebel Ali is world’s 9th largest container port and busiest in MENA
- Size: 57 sq km; 7,500+ companies; 135,000+ workers
JAFZA Company Types
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE): Single shareholder
- Free Zone Company (FZC): 2-50 shareholders
- Branch of foreign company
- Non-resident company: Offshore company (JAFZA offshore)
JAFZA Key Industries
- Logistics and supply chain
- FMCG distribution and consumer goods
- Automotive (Jebel Ali Vehicle Centre)
- Petrochemicals and chemicals
- Food and beverage (JAFZA is UAE’s largest food trading hub)
- Industrial manufacturing
JAFZA Cost 2026
- Flexi desk: AED 15,000-20,000/year
- Office: AED 30,000-100,000+/year
- Warehouse (800-3,200 sqm): AED 100,000-500,000+/year
- Land plot (industrial): Long-term lease; AED 80-150 per sqm/year
JAFZA Banking Advantage
- Strong banking relationships: JAFZA is Dubai’s most established free zone; all major UAE banks and most international banks readily accept JAFZA trade licences
- Trade finance: JAFZA-Jebel Ali Port integration means export/import LCs and trade finance straightforward