Jebel Ali Free Zone: Strategic Location and Overview

Jebel Ali Free Zone, popularly known as JAFZA, is a flagship economic zone located in the Jebel Ali area at the far western end of Dubai, along Sheikh Zayed Road (E11).
It is the largest customs-bonded free zone in the Middle East and forms an integral part of DP World UAE’s global business hub.

With state-of-the-art infrastructure and seamless connectivity to the Jebel Ali port, JAFZA offers unmatched market access to Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Spread over 57 square kilometers, JAFZA is home to over 11,000 companies spanning multiple industries, including logistics, manufacturing, petrochemicals, e-commerce, FMCG, and financial services. The zone contributes nearly 24% of Dubai’s GDP and sustains more than 130,000 jobs, making it one of the world’s most significant free zones.

JAFZA Companies List and Key Industries

The Jebel Ali Free Zone companies list includes over 9,500 registered businesses with globally recognized brands such as Nestle, FedEx, LG, Mercedes-Benz, and Samsung. These companies operate across 14 sectors, ranging from logistics and manufacturing to retail and technology.

Main sectors include:

• Logistics and Transportation
• Manufacturing and Industrial
• Trading (General & Specialized)
• Retail and E-Commerce
• Food and Agriculture
• Petrochemicals
• Automotive and Spare Parts
• Electronics and Electrical
• Financial and Business Services

How to Reach Jebel Ali Free Zone: Location and Accessibility

The Jebel Ali Free Zone location is well-connected by road and metro. The nearest metro station serving JAFZA is Danube Metro Station on the Red Line, which can handle over 11,000 passengers per hour. Various bus services also connect to JAFZA from different parts of Dubai.

How to go to Jebel Ali Free Zone by Metro

To reach JAFZA by metro, commuters should alight at Danube Metro Station on the Red Line. From there, shuttle or taxi services are available to enter the Free Zone area.

Access and Entry: JAFZA Gate Pass and Security

Access to JAFZA is regulated through an electronic JAFZA gate pass system known as Tasreeh, managed by the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC). The process to get a Jebel Ali Free Zone gate pass involves:

1. Creating a profile on the official Tasreeh portal
2. Selecting the company you are visiting and uploading the required documents
3. Awaiting approval from the sponsoring company
4. Receiving an electronic gate pass via email

Different types of passes include visitor passes, day passes, temporary passes (valid from a week to six months), permanent passes (valid for one year), equipment passes, and contractor passes.

How to apply for JAFZA gate pass online

Individuals can apply online through the Tasreeh portal by registering and following the instructions to link their visit with a JAFZA-registered company.

Business Setup and Company Formation

JAFZA provides multiple company formation options to suit different business needs and structures. The primary formation types include Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for single shareholder companies, Free Zone Company (FZCO) for multi-shareholder entities, Branch offices for extending existing companies into JAFZA, and Offshore Companies for international trading without UAE-based operations.​

Explore our guide to Business Setup in UAE and Emirates [A Complete Guide]

The business setup process in JAFZA is 100% digital and typically takes between 3 to 14 business days from document submission to license issuance. The streamlined process involves several key steps:​

Step 1: Expression of Interest and Application

Submit an online application through the JAFZA portal after selecting the appropriate formation type and license category (Trading, Service, Industrial, or General Trading).​

Step 2: Document Submission

Required documents include passport copies of shareholders and directors, comprehensive business plan, bank reference letters, educational qualifications, and formation-specific documents such as Memorandum and Articles of Association for FZE/FZCO or parent company documents for Branch offices.​

Step 3: Facility Selection

Choose from JAFZA’s diverse portfolio including customized plots of land, pre-built warehouses (starting at AED 400 per square meter), office spaces, showrooms, retail outlets, or co-working spaces. Sign a lease agreement for the selected facility.​

Step 4: Final Approval and Incorporation

Complete payments for registration fees, license fees, and facility leases. Receive the establishment card and company license to commence operations.​

JAFZA offers 24/7 support through its customer-centric approach and provides simplified systems for recruitment, visa processing, and ongoing business operations through the dedicated Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority. You can find the company formation step-by-step process here.

Understanding the JAFZA Gratuity and Salary Benefits

Employees working in JAFZA under unlimited or limited contracts are entitled to end-of-service benefits based on years of service and salary. The JAFZA gratuity calculator estimates gratuity based on the following:

1. 21 days of basic salary for each year of service up to the first 5 years
2. 30 days of basic salary for each additional year beyond 5 years
3. The total gratuity is capped at two years’ basic salary

The gratuity formula helps employees compute their dues and understand their entitlements before contract completion or resignation.

JAFZA Workers Residence

JAFZA provides comprehensive onsite accommodation facilities designed to house company employees within the free zone, minimizing commute time and enhancing work-life balance. The free zone offers over 9,450 rooms across two main residential zones: more than 4,850 rooms in JAFZA North and over 4,600 rooms in JAFZA South.​ (Source)

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