As a result of having maintained relatively lower rental rates as compared to other parts of the UAE, the Jebel Ali free zone still provides competitive costs, as doing business is cheaper there than in areas outside of the free zone.
There are currently approximately 6,000 companies operating in Jebel Ali, according to Gulf News.
"Our objective is not to be a leasing company and just come with prices matching the market. What we do is to try to attract investment so our prices are cheaper than the market, yet we provide much more (in terms of) facilities and services," said executive officer Salma Hareb.
"Jafza is not more expensive than the market, absolutely not. The client would always complain, but we are still 40 percent less expensive than the market," Salma added.
Ongoing development of the area includes the Dh2 billion expansion project of the South Zone. All the roads and utilities are expected to be completed by the end of 2006.
Jafza is reportedly seeking to export its free zone management expertise and is looking at potential locations in the East Asian region, India, Pakistan and Turkey, Salma said. Jafza's activities include consultancy, business plans and day-to-day operation management.
