Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, awarded as the most influential personality in Free Zones

Dubai, UAE, 11.December 2011: Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director General of Dubai Airport Freezone, has been honoured with a prestigious accolade - "Gallery of Honour" by The Fédération Mondiale des Zones Franches – (FEMOZA) in Geneva. This honour recognizes Dr. Al Zarooni's efforts and achievements as one of the most influential figures in the establishment and growth of Free zones.

Commenting on the occasion, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: "Dr Zarooni has significantly contributed in the development and success of Dubai Airport Freezone, and this award is fully deserved". Receiving the award, Dr. Zarooni said, It is a very special award, I am very pleased to receive such accolade, I would like to thank the organization for this recognition.

Dr Zarooni is a key figure in establishing the Free Zones Industry and it is under his leadership that Dubai Airport Freezone has been ranked by the fDi magazine as the best freezone in the Middle East and second best in the world. Dr Zarooni is continually committed to excellence and remains resolute in ensuring that the free zone fosters the best and most innovative services to its customers.

The award was handed over by Juan Torrents , President of Fédération Mondiale des Zones Franches, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airport Freezone. The 'Gallery of Honor' award is given to recognize individuals as the highest honor for their professional, social and human contribution towards the development of free zones.

"Fédération Mondiale des Zones Franches was established in year 1999 and until now, this recognition was received by only six leaders who have made impressive contributions to the development of free zones throughout the world", said Juan Torrents.

"The criterion to win this prestigious international recognition mainly depends on the contribution of these leaders throughout their careers on the development of free zones. Primarily, the key focus areas for selection include their role in attracting foreign investments, development and rehabilitation of the workforce of their technical staff, administrative excellence, transfer of technology, and real contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP)," he added.