Dubai Airport free zone Authority
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ABOUT DAFZ

 
ABOUT DAFZ
WHY DAFZ
EXPANSION
SUSTAINABLY
INNOVATION
SMART CITY
ISLAMIC ECONOMY

ABOUT DAFZ

Dubai airport Freezone was established in 1996 and is a dynamic business hub located at the very heart of global trade.

Benefitting from direct access to the world’s busiest international airport, DAFZ offers the ideal gateway to the Middle East and also unrivalled connectivity to Europe, the Indian Subcontinent and the Far East.

DAFZ is now home to more than 2000 registered businesses from over 20+ sectors and various industries with 20,000+ professionals, who benefit from a business-focused regulatory and tax environment that offers total ownership, full repatriation of earnings and a range of world-class facilities.

VISION

The free zone that goes beyond.

MISSION

Adding value to UAE economy by providing smart solutions that attract global investors, through innovation and a customer centric environment driven by a passionate entrepreneurial team.

OUR VALUES

Customer: Add value to our customers
People: we strive for happy people
Innovation: Foster innovation
Team work: Together we achieve more
Integrity : Good governance
Corporate National Responsibility: We enrich the society

LEADERSHIP

H.H. SHEIKH AHMED BIN SAEED AL MAKTOUM

CHAIRMAN
Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al maktoum - DAFZA

The organisation has provided the most attractive incentive packages, connectivity and support to multinational companies from every continent, enabling them to establish their regional offices here in Dubai.

I would like to welcome you to one of the world’s most modern freezones, designed to provide the most attractive investment opportunities for your business. Dubai Airport Freezone was officially established by the Government of Dubai, pursuant to Law No.2, in 1996.

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Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al maktoum - DAFZA

LEADERSHIP

H.H. SHEIKH AHMED BIN SAEED AL MAKTOUM

CHAIRMAN
Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al maktoum - DAFZA
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al maktoum - DAFZA

The organisation has provided the most attractive incentive packages, connectivity and support to multinational companies from every continent, enabling them to establish their regional offices here in Dubai.

I would like to welcome you to one of the world’s most modern freezones, designed to provide the most attractive investment opportunities for your business. Dubai Airport Freezone was officially established by the Government of Dubai, pursuant to Law No.2, in 1996.

Read More
Mohammed Al Zarooni DAFZA

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni

Executive Chairman
Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority

Mohammed Al Zarooni DAFZA

With over 25 years of experience leading and developing free economic zones, H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni is considered one of the world’s top free zone influencing leaders. In 2021, H.E. Dr. Al Zarooni was appointed as Executive Chairman of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), holding three of Dubai’s pioneering Free Zones, Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai CommerCity.

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Muhammad Al Zarooni - DAFZA
Mohammed Al Zarooni DAFZA

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni

Executive Chairman
Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority

Mohammed Al Zarooni DAFZA
Muhammad Al Zarooni - DAFZA

With over 25 years of experience leading and developing free economic zones, H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni is considered one of the world’s top free zone influencing leaders. In 2021, H.E. Dr. Al Zarooni was appointed as Executive Chairman of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), holding three of Dubai’s pioneering Free Zones, Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai CommerCity.

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Naseer Al Madani-Dubai freezone

NASSER AL MADANI

CHIEF ADVISOR

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Amna Lootah - DAFZA

AMNA LOOTAH

DIRECTOR GENERAL

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Yousuf Ali Behzad - DAFZA

YOUSUF ALI BEHZAD

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GENERAL, PEOPLE GROWTH AND STRATEGY

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Naseer Al Madani-Dubai freezone

NASSER AL MADANI

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GENERAL

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Amna Lootah - DAFZA

AMNA LOOTAH

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GENERAL

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Mohammad Bin Suwailem - DAFZA

MOHAMMAD BIN SUWAILEM AL KETBI

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES

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Ayoub Alhammadi - DAFZA

AYOUB ALHAMMADI

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LICENSING AND INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

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Mohammad Bin Suwailem - DAFZA

MOHAMMAD BIN SUWAILEM AL KETBI

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES

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Ayoub Alhammadi - DAFZA

AYOUB ALHAMMADI

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LICENSING AND INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

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Yousuf Ali Behzad - DAFZA

YOUSUF ALI BEHZAD

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GENERAL, PEOPLE GROWTH AND STRATEGY

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DAFZ ACCOLADES

2005
2005
The Dubai Government Excellence award for Best Department in Employee Satisfaction
2005
2006
2006
The Dubai Government Excellence award for Best Governmental Department – Sales & Marketing Best Website Award from the World Federation of Free Zones MELA in the Best Middle East Logistics Airport Park category
2006
2007
2007
MELA in the Best Middle East Logistics Airport Park category Best Government department in Emiratisation
2007
2008
2008
Saving Electricity and Water Consumption Award – DEWA Fire Award – Dubai Customs CSR Award from Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) MELA in the Best Middle East Logistics Airport Park category
2008
2009
2009
DQAP – Dubai Quality Appreciation – Dubai Economic Department Health, Safety & Environment Award – Dubai Customs Kingdom Expansion Award of Saudi Arabia for its Sustainable Facility Management Initiatives MELA in the Best Middle East Logistics Airport Park category
2009
2010
2010
Best Economic Airport Free Zone in the region and second internationally, FDI Magazine – Financial Times Group DHDA – Dubai Human Development Award – Dubai Economic Department
2010
2011
2011
Richard Goodman strategic planning Award, Association of Strategic planning, USA E- Government Web Award, the Internet Award Academy in Middle East & Arab Organisation for Administration Development Best Economic Airport Free Zone in the region and second internationally, FDI Magazine – Financial Times Group
2011
2012
2012
Best Economic Free Zone in the world, FDI – Financial Times Group The Global Award for Perfection, Quality & Ideal Performance: Otherways Association Management & Consultant, Italy Total Quality Customer Satisfaction Award – Otherways Association Management & Consultant, Italy Public Mobility Award, Roads & Transport Authority, Dubai Three Stevie awards (International Business Awards, USA): 1) New Innovative product or service of the year 2012 2) Best IT Department of the year 2012 3) Best Marketing Department of the year 2012
2012
2013
2013
Egov Excellence Awards, Pan Arab Excellence Awards Academy Best Economic Free Zone in the Middle East, FDI – Financial Times Group DQA- Dubai Quality Award – DED – Dubai Economic Department
2013
2014
2014
Hamdan Bin Mohammed for Smart Government Award Category of Best Service Center – Executive Council Palladium Award (Balanced Scorecard Hall of Fame for Executing Strategy)- Palladium Group ACCA Approved Employer Certificate
2014
2015
2015
IMA Finance Team of the Year 2015 – The Association of Accountants and Financial Professionals in Business Free zone Authorities Customer Care Excellence Award- Middle East Excellence Award Institution Shortlisted in Hamdan Bin Mohammed for Smart Government Award Category of Best Innovation Team and Category of Best Innovation Leader – Executive Council Emirates Energy Award – Supreme Council of Energy “Finance Team of the Year” Excellence Award by Middle East CFO Alliance LEED Certification for DAFZ Square – Gold
2015
2016
2016
DAFZ Superbrands Award – UAE Superbrands Council LEED Crtification for Building and Operation – Platinum
2016
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Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al maktoum - DAFZA

H.H. SHEIKH AHMED BIN SAEED AL MAKTOUM

– CHAIRMAN 
– Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority

The organisation has provided the most attractive incentive packages, connectivity and support to multinational companies from every continent, enabling them to establish their regional offices here in Dubai.

I would like to welcome you to one of the world’s most modern freezones, designed to provide the most attractive investment opportunities for your business. Dubai Airport Freezone was officially established by the Government of Dubai, pursuant to Law No.2, in 1996.

Moreover, as a city host to various world-class international business and commercial events, investors will enjoy the advantage of the strategic location next to one of busiest airports in the world.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed is the Chairman of the Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA), the entity overseeing the Middle East’s premium Freezone. Through his exemplary leadership, DAFZA has played a critical role in the success of the Dubai Government’s strategic plan to transform the emirate into an investment-driven economy. H.H. Sheikh Ahmed led the launching of DAFZA’s ‘Innovation Strategy’ and championed the advanced development of the Freezone’s human capital, smart transformation and state-of-art services and products. He also encouraged diversification across the Freezone in support of Dubai’s focus on building a vibrant economy beyond oil in the future.

As a testament to H.H. Sheikh Ahmed’s outstanding supervision and extraordinary vision, DAFZA currently hosts over 1,600 multinational companies from various industries – a major boost to Dubai’s intensive economic diversification efforts. DAFZA currently contributes an impressive around 4.7 percent to Dubai’s GDP and offers unparalleled solutions for the global business sector thanks to H.H. Sheikh Ahmed’s foresight and able guidance.

For the past 30 years, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed has been at the forefront of Dubai’s remarkable economic development. He spearheaded the successful expansion of local aviation, which now accounts for 28 percent of Dubai’s GDP. More recently, he has formulated key economic, investment and fiscal policies and strategies in support of the emirate’s overarching vision.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed also serves as the President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and its affiliates such as DNATA. He is the Chairman of the Dubai EXPO 2020 Higher Committee and occupies high-level positions in many other diverse government and private entities as well.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Denver, Colorado, USA. He is well known internationally for his contribution to the development of aviation in the region. The Royal Aeronautical Society, one of the industry’s oldest and most respected professional associations, honored his achievements in aviation with a Fellowship at the Society bestowed during the 1994 Farnborough Air Show in the UK. In May 2013, he was presented with an honorary Degree of Doctor of Science by City University London – Cass Business School in recognition of his outstanding leadership in the development of professional sectors including aviation, finance, banking and entrepreneurship, among others, in the UAE.

“It was a particularly successful period for us in terms of further streamlining our finances and operations, expanding our global presence, and supporting the national economic diversification policy to build a future beyond oil by encouraging major global names from various industries to do business at DAFZA.”

Muhammad Al Zarooni - DAFZA

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni

– Executive Chairman
– Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority

With over 25 years of experience leading and developing free economic zones, H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni is considered one of the world’s top free zone influencing leaders. In 2021, H.E. Dr. Al Zarooni was appointed as Executive Chairman of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), holding three of Dubai’s pioneering Free Zones, Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai CommerCity.

In 2000, H.E. Dr. Al Zarooni was appointed as Director-General of the Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA), which, through his visionary leadership, quickly grew to become one of the top-performing free zones in the world.

In 2002, the Dubai Government appointed him as Vice Chairman and CEO of the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), one of the region’s most advanced and successful technology hubs. He continues to lead Dubai Airport Freezone and Dubai Silicon Oasis concurrently.

In 2014, H.E. Dr. Al Zarooni was instrumental in conceptualizing and establishing the non-profit World Free Zones Organization. He is presently the chairman of this multilateral organization which acts as an association for all free zones in the world. He is also the Secretary General of the Dubai Free Zone Council.

A prominent personality in Dubai’s economy, H.E. Dr. Al Zarooni is a member of the Dubai Economic Council. He also sits on several major institutions’ boards, including Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Emirati Human Resources Development Council, and RIT Dubai Board of Directors, in addition, he is the Chairman of Tradeling Board (a B2B ecommerce marketplace). H.E. Dr. Al Zarooni is an accomplished speaker on free zones and has been invited to keynote worldwide at numerous conferences and forums.

H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni graduated with a Ph.D. Degree from the University of Durham in the U.K. His doctoral thesis was on “The Position of the Free Zones in Economic Development.”

Naseer Al Madani-Dubai freezone

NASSER AL MADANI

– Chief Advisor

Nasser Al Madani is the Assistant Director General at Dubai Airport Freezone Authority – DAFZA, a position he has held since November 2007. Al Madani has more than 20 years of experience in free zones and ports, with previous positions including Head of Human Resources at DP World for over a decade, where he was responsible for the introduction of many initiatives as well as working through merger and acquisitions. Prior to this role, Al Madani headed up the administration of Jebel Ali Free Zone for many years., Al Madani brings a wealth of HR expertise to the Free zone, as well as extensive experience in the promotion and operations of free zones.

As a part of the senior management, he is actively involved in setting and implementing several strategic initiatives to assure the continuous growth of DAFZA. Al Madani is a graduate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and holds a PMD qualification from Harvard Business School. He is also a member of several HR forums and associations, and has attended several executive and leadership development programs. He is a regular public speaker on HR and strategy topics.

Amna Lootah - DAFZA

AMNA LOOTAH

– Director General

Amna Lootah is the Assistant Director General of DAFZA and one of the leading experts within the special economic zones sector across the emirate of Dubai, UAE and the wider region. She is passionate about achieving DAFZA’s vision of contributing to the economy and positioning its vital role in attracting and increasing the inflow of foreign direct investment across various economic sectors.

During the past two decades, Lootah has held several leadership positions in DAFZA, overseeing the financial and the commercial operations, investments and treasury, lease and licensing and customer relations divisions. This is in addition to her prominent role in leading smart transformation and enriching the regional and global position of DAFZA in managing and operating a distinct free zone model that has gained the confidence and trust of more than 1,700 companies registered across over 20 economic sectors. Lootah is also involved in driving innovation within the free zone, and in supporting digital information development, property management, security, forming partnerships and developing customer experience through a commitment to building trust and long-term relationships with customers and strategic partners

In addition to her current position, Amna Lootah is a board member at Dubai CommerCity which is the first dedicated e-commerce free zone in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region with the mission to oversee the development of the new free zone. It

is an investment of AED 3.2 billion spread over an area of approximately 2.1 million square feet. Dubai CommerCity provides a unique e-commerce ecosystem to global and regional brands to help them set up and operate their e-commerce businesses in the MENASA region. She holds the position of a Director on the JV Board.

Amna is also a board member for “Tradeling”, the world’s first B2B smart commerce base in the UAE for the MENA region. With a dedicated team of technology and business enthusiasts committed to making B2B trading simpler, faster and more secure and a mission to become the leading platform for all business buying. This objective is supported with financial backing from the Dubai government through DAFZA.

With her dynamic personality, Amna has also spearheaded the niche Islamic Economy Strategy for DAFZA that led to the formation of the Halal Trade and Marketing Centre (HTMC), co-founded with Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC), a global business development centre that is positioned to benefit industry players and activate halal trade flow through the region. Amna is a strategic leader of the centre in her capacity as Acting Director.

Amna Lootah holds a Higher Diploma in Banking and Finance, and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Higher Colleges of Technology – Dubai Women’s College. She is also a graduate from H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Leadership Development.

Yousuf Ali Behzad - DAFZA

YOUSUF ALI BEHZAD

– ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GENERAL, PEOPLE GROWTH AND STRATEGY

Yousuf Ali Behzad is the Assistant Director General of People Growth and Strategy at DAFZA. His role is to advise and assist all DAFZA’s departments in the development of strategies and plans aimed at improving the human capital, and training functions within the organization.

Behzad holds a Master degree in Planning & Policy with a dissertation on “Improvement of Public Relations Officers” Performance” from the Leeds University in UK. He brings a wealth of experience across various sectors, where prior to his current role, he was the Director of the Planning and Statistics department at the Department of Health & Medical Services in Dubai.

Other achievements include a listing in the International Who’s Who of Professionals Directory in the year 2000; a graduate of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Leadership Development; and being awarded the Indira Super Achievers accolade in 2007, presented by the Indira Group of Institutes which aims to recognize professionals who have excelled within and made a difference to their corporation.

Mohammad Bin Suwailem - DAFZA

MOHAMMAD BIN SUWAILEM AL KETBI

– EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES

Mohammad Ali Bin Suwailem is the Executive Director, Relationship Management and Government Services at DAFZA, and has been with the company since 1998.Prior to his current role, Bin Suwailem was the Senior Director of leasing and tenant’s employee’s affairs and was responsible for supervising company leasing in addition to maintain the good relation with customers.Before joining DAFZA Bin Suwailem was with Merrill Lynch, in California, one of the world’s premier providers of wealth management,securities trading and sales, corporate finance and investment banking services.Bin Suwailem has been awarded a number of achievements in his tenure with DAFZA,including the certificate of Excellence from Dubai Government Excellence Program Committee; certificate of Appreciation by Dubai Department of Civil Aviation; as well as certificate of Completion from Executive Program on Leadership. He holds a Master degree in Marketing and a BA in Business Administration, majoring in management, both from USIU San Diego, California.He recently graduated from the Program of Government Leadership – Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development.

Ayoub Alhammadi - DAFZA

AYOUB ALHAMMADI

– EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LICENSING AND INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Ayoub Alhammadi is the Executive Director, Licensing and Information Communication Technology, has more than 20 years of extensive managerial experience in ICT Facility and Operations Management. In his current multidimensional role, Ayoub is responsible for maintaining close ties with all of DAFZA’s customers, overseeing the management of the various faciltiies, and supervising area leases and company licensing. He was a Senior Director for DAFZA’s Information Technology, Security, and Administration & Procurement Departments from 2012 to 2014. Prior to joining DAFZA, Ayoub spent 12 years at Dubai Aluminium Company (DUBAL) where he took on various supervisory Plant and Administration positions, the last of which was as Manager of IT Department Services. Aside from his broad industry experiences. Ayoub holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, USA. He has undergone an INSEAD Management Course and has participated in extensive training programs.

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