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ABOUT DAFZ

 
ABOUT DAFZ
WHY DAFZ
EXPANSION
SUSTAINABILITY
INNOVATION

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 3000+ registered businesses from over 20+ sectors and various industries with 20,000+ professionals, who benefit from a business-focused regulatory and tax-free 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

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.

Read More

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.

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AMNA LOOTAH

DIRECTOR GENERAL

Amna Lootah is the Director General at Dubai Airport Freezone. She brings an extensive 20 years of experience in a number of key areas that support the growth of DAFZ, including finance, sales and marketing, communications, innovation and future, digital intelligence, customer experience, lease and licensing, property management, security and partnerships.

Ms. Lootah is 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 DAFZ’s goals of driving innovation, through her commitment to building trust and long-term relationships with DAFZ’s customers and strategic partners.

Read More

AMNA LOOTAH

DIRECTOR GENERAL

Amna Lootah is the Director General at Dubai Airport Freezone. She brings an extensive 20 years of experience in a number of key areas that support the growth of DAFZ, including finance, sales and marketing, communications, innovation and future, digital intelligence, customer experience, lease and licensing, property management, security and partnerships.

Ms. Lootah is 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 DAFZ’s goals of driving innovation, through her commitment to building trust and long-term relationships with DAFZ’s customers and strategic partners.

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Maryam Al Bastaki

Senior Vice President of Leasing, Licensing and Government Services

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Ahmed Al Mulla

Senior Vice President - Sales & Business Accounts Management

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Ahmed Al Mulla

Senior Vice President - Sales & Business Accounts Management

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Maryam Al Bastaki

Senior Vice President of Leasing, Licensing and Government Services

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Arif Al Khoori

Senior Vice President - Customer Care

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Asma Ghaith

Vice President - Shared Services

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Arif Al Khoori

Senior Vice President - Customer Care

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Asma Ghaith

Vice President - Shared Services

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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.”

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 freezones 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. In 1995, His Excellency join the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority as Director of Research and Administration and at that time, as he was one of the most prominent officials responsible for the establishment of the Dubai Airport Free Zone in 1996. Before joining the Department, he worked in the Ministry of Education for 8 years.

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. In 2015, he was appointed as 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 address keynotes 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.”

AMNA LOOTAH

– DIRECTOR GENERAL

Amna Lootah is the Director General at Dubai Airport Freezone. She brings an extensive 20 years of experience in a number of key areas that support the growth of DAFZ, including finance, sales and marketing, communications, innovation and future, digital intelligence, customer experience, lease and licensing, property management, security and partnerships.

Ms. Lootah is 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 DAFZ’s goals of driving innovation, through her commitment to building trust and long-term relationships with DAFZ’s customers and strategic partners.

She has also led the development of Dubai Commercity, a free zone dedicated to the growing e-commerce market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. 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 business 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. With the mission to become the leading platform for all business buying. This objective is supported with financial backing from the Dubai government through DAFZ.

With her dynamic personality, Amna has also spearheaded the niche Islamic Economy Strategy for DAFZ that led to the formation of the “ Halal Trade and Marketing Centre (HTMC)”, a global business development centre that is positioned to benefit industry players and activate halal trade flows through the region.

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.

Maryam Al Bastaki

Senior Vice President of Leasing, Licensing and Government Services

Maryam Al Bastaki is the Senior Vice President of Leasing, Licensing, and Government Services at Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ). After being appointed to this position, she quickly excelled in her role, showcasing her ability to enhance DAFZ’s administrative functions and ensure tenant satisfaction. 

A key contributor since the establishment of DAFZ, Maryam has been instrumental in setting up and successfully managing the Leasing and Licensing Department. Beyond her role in DAFZ’s growth and expansion, she provides critical insights for operational improvements, aligning strategies with executive teams and external stakeholders. Her efforts have led to the implementation of advanced system-related procedures, improving efficiencies in lease agreements, rules, regulations, and policies. 

Under Maryam’s leadership, DAFZ became the first free zone to adopt International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC 4) activities and to collaborate with the Department of Economic Development (DED) for issuing dual licenses. Her expertise has been pivotal in shaping a robust operational framework within the free zone, driving synergies both internally and externally. Maryam’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including DAFZ’s CDG award, reflecting her significant impact on the organization. 

Ahmed Al Mulla

Senior Vice President – Sales & Business Accounts Management

Ahmad Al Mulla is the Senior Vice President of Sales & Business Accounts Management at Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ). In this role, he oversees all aspects of sales strategy, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis, which he reports directly to senior management. His leadership has been instrumental in driving DAFZ’s sales success, where he has consistently closed significant deals and secured key contractual lease agreements with prospective clients. 

Al Mulla excels in developing and nurturing sales leads, delivering compelling presentations, negotiating terms, and spearheading regional expansion initiatives. His deep involvement in customer engagement, coupled with his effective relationship management strategies, has been critical in securing a competitive advantage for DAFZ. Under his leadership, sales revenue has increased by over 30 million AED annually, and the number of registered companies has grown by 66 percent, reflecting his significant impact on the free zone’s growth. 

As Senior Vice President, Al Mulla not only drives external synergies but also enhances internal processes, ensuring that DAFZ’s sales operations are both efficient and effective in meeting the organization’s strategic goals. His expertise in the field has solidified his reputation as a key player in DAFZ’s continued expansion and success. 

Arif Al Khoori

Senior Vice President of Customer Care

Arif Al Khoori is the Senior Vice President of Customer Care at Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the customer experience and fostering strong, lasting relationships with clients. With deep expertise in customer relationship management, leasing, licensing, and government relations, Al Khoori has become a key driver of DAFZ’s customer-centric approach. 

In his current role, Al Khoori is committed to developing and managing all aspects of customer support, ensuring that every interaction delivers exceptional outcomes and experiences. His approach is deeply rooted in understanding customer needs and aligning services to meet and exceed expectations. Al Khoori excels in strategic project planning, effective negotiation, and team management, allowing him to engage with stakeholders at all levels and drive initiatives that prioritize customer satisfaction. 

His leadership is characterized by a relentless focus on customer loyalty and a dedication to enhancing the overall customer journey. By leveraging his comprehensive knowledge across various domains, Al Khoori ensures that DAFZ remains at the forefront of delivering unparalleled service and value to its clients. 

Asma Ghaith

Vice President – Shared Services

Asma Ghaith is the Vice President of Shared Services at Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), a role she has excelled in since her appointment in 2013 in the Finance Department.

With a distinguished career marked by strategic leadership and continuous improvement initiatives, Asma oversees the Shared Services department encompassing the central provision of HR, IT, Facilities Management, Security, and Planning & Design services to DAFZ. Ghaith champions a philosophy of optimizing business unit benefits through centralized service excellence, thereby enhancing cost efficiency, service delivery, and interdepartmental communication. Her strategic approach includes leveraging centralized functions to strengthen operational controls and elevate data-driven insights.

In the realm of financial performance management, Asma is heading DAFZ’s Management Accounting, Reporting, and Accounts Receivables sections, where she has introduced progressive enhancements in the areas of management reporting enabling informed strategic decision making and fostering sustainable growth.

A Certified Management Accountant (CMA) from Institute of management Accountants (IMA) in the USA, Asma Ghaith remains committed to advancing her proficiency through ongoing education in innovation, leadership, and accounting. Exemplifying her dedication to continuous professional development and organizational success, she also holds a Public Sector Innovation Diploma, a flagship program in partnership with Cambridge University (UK) and Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation.

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