The World Free Zones Organisation is taking a step forward with the launch of the “Free Zone of the Future” project in 2025. The goal of this project is to create a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare, tourism, agro-industries, and manufacturing. Mohammed Al Zarooni, chairman of the organisation, announced this flagship project and highlighted the importance of defining free zones as top business hubs that foster entrepreneurship and innovation.
To drive this transformation, the World Free Zones Organisation is launching key initiatives such as a zones academy for professional training, policy dialogue for stakeholder collaboration, zones library as a hub for best practices, and a national integration project to incorporate free zones into a national economic framework. Al Zarooni emphasized the importance of building trust and reinforcing the role of free zones as a steadfast ally that provides support and advocacy to navigate the evolving global landscape.
Despite the challenges of high inflation and unemployment in the global economy, Al Zarooni believes that these challenges also present opportunities for growth and development. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, highlighted the integral role of free zones in the UAE’s economic framework. With 44 free zones in the UAE, each with clear objectives to facilitate seamless business operations and a robust regulatory environment, these zones provide efficient infrastructure and diverse services across various sectors.
The UAE free zones attract both international and domestic capital, supporting economic diversification by creating jobs and investments. The focus on new investment avenues and the commitment to providing support and advocacy highlight the importance of free zones in driving economic growth and innovation. As the global landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like the “Free Zone of the Future” project will play a crucial role in shaping the future of free zones as hubs for innovation and entrepreneurship.
