Expansion

Just when you thought Jebel Ali Free Zone couldn’t get any bigger, Economic Zones World announces a slew of new real estate projects for its flagship operation.

Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) may soon become a bit more hospitable. Its management, Economic Zones World (EZW), is looking beyond standard warehouses to providing services such as showrooms, food courts, labour accommodation, a hotel and convention centre, and office towers. At least five new projects are slated for release in the coming
year. Here are some to watch out for:

Light industrial units
Six blocks of light industrial units cum warehouses will be available in the North Zone of Jebel Ali near roundabout 7, around 300 metres from the port, in September 2009. These 43 warehouse will provide 126 sq metres of front-office space on ground and mezzanine floors, as well as 513 sq metres for light industrial or warehouse use. These buildings stand 10 metres high to allow for storage.

Warehouse showrooms
Jafza is developing 68 units for product display, as well as storage and distribution in its South Zone. “It is not only a showroom,” says Talal Al Hashemi, Managing Director, EZW UAE Region. “It is a showroom, storage, office and light industrial unit all in one.”

He says the facilities target light and medium-sized manufacturers. “This idea came from requests we were receiving from our clients who are producing here and
re-exporting their goods to neighbouring countries. They wanted to sell to or have contact with the public in Dubai.”

“With this concept, the public will have the opportunity to view the products of Jebel Ali companies and to purchase directly from the manufacturer or main importer of these goods. It’s a one-stop shop.” Stretching over two kilometres, these buildings will run parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road and Emirates Road.

Staff accommodation
Seventeen blocks of staff accommodation are complete and ready for lease in the South Zone. With eight buildings for senior and junior managers and nine buildings for labourers, they can legally accommodate between 18,000 and 25,000 residents,
depending on how many are allocated to each of the 3,380 rooms. With the North Zone accommodation full, people are already moving in, according to Al Hashemi.

Jafza Mall
Jafza is also developing a shopping mall in the South Zone. This will include a food court with 28 restaurants and coffee shops. “We are expecting to fill this with clients by July or August,” says Al Hashemi. Located close to the South Zone staff accommodation, the mall will be accessible to the North Zone community once the new interchange near Gate 4 is complete.

TechnoPark
Two buildings, each with 14,000 sq metres dedicated to research, development and technology are expected to be completed in August 2009.

Convention centre
The AED2.5 billion (approximately US$680 million), 700 sq metre convention centre adjacent to Sheikh Zayed road will feature a four-star business hotel with 305 rooms managed by the Millennium Group, an auditorium with 600 seats, banquet hall, 22 meeting rooms, conference halls, a business centre, a 22-outlet food court, two terrace restaurants, a fitness centre, a recreational area, retail outlets and a VIP Majilis. Over 100,000 sq metres, as well, will be leased as offices. “I have never seen such a project in any free zone around the world,” says Talal Al Hashemi, Managing Director, Economic Zones World UAE Region. “I have visited most of them, and this is certainly the largest and most expensive.”