DP World’s Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza) and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) have entered into an agreement to develop a framework that facilitates dual-zone operations for companies aiming to enhance their financial, industrial, and corporate structuring activities in Dubai.
The collaboration seeks to link Jafza’s trade and industrial ecosystem with DIFC’s sophisticated legal, financial, and structuring platform, creating a unified environment that simplifies the setup, operation, and expansion process for investors. This integrated model allows businesses to structure capital, access financial services, and manage long-term succession planning through DIFC, while using Jafza for manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution — ensuring complete efficiency across investment and supply chains.
By connecting two of Dubai’s most prominent economic zones, the initiative strengthens the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and reaffirms the emirate’s global leadership in trade, finance, and innovation.
The dual-zone framework offers investors a distinct blend of benefits.
Through DIFC, businesses and family offices can establish holding structures, foundations, and governance frameworks to manage succession and cross-border investments, while gaining direct access to financial institutions, private banks, and investment advisors under a well-established regulatory system. Meanwhile, Jafza provides cutting-edge infrastructure for manufacturing, logistics, and distribution, complemented by duty exemptions and multimodal transport links via Jebel Ali Port. Together, these advantages enable access to new markets, trade finance solutions, and investment opportunities that support both business expansion and long-term continuity.
Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, stated: “In line with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), DIFC remains dedicated to enhancing Dubai’s position as the region’s foremost global hub for finance and investment. This framework empowers enterprises to align strategic and financial decisions with agile logistical execution. By partnering with Jafza, we are helping businesses integrate their financial and operational capabilities within Dubai. This collaboration sets the foundation for sustained innovation, growth, and economic development across the emirate’s financial and trade sectors.”
Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, added: “This partnership marks a new chapter in bridging trade and capital to create greater opportunities for international enterprises. Companies can base production or regional distribution operations in Jafza while using a DIFC entity to oversee financing or overseas assets, resulting in improved efficiency and control. This initiative further strengthens Dubai’s role as a global nexus where trade and finance seamlessly converge.”
Under the agreement, Jafza and DIFC will jointly introduce a series of investor engagement programmes — including roadshows, webinars, and case studies — to highlight the dual-zone model and offer tailored support to prospective businesses.
