During a meeting of the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC) chaired by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Council discussed the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to make Dubai one of the top three global cities and double its economy’s size within a decade. The Council expressed its commitment to achieving the goals of D33 through various initiatives and discussed its plan of action in light of the upcoming Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) to be hosted in Dubai Expo City. Additionally, the Council outlined packages that simplify services and improve the experience of foreign investors, and highlighted the importance of attracting Emirati talents to work in Dubai’s free zones.
The Council also discussed the outcomes of the Free Zones Energy Demand Management Strategy, which seeks to reduce the demand for electricity and energy consumption of free zone companies to achieve sustainability and support Dubai’s leading position as a builder of innovative and environmentally friendly communities. This strategy aligns with the UAE Net Zero strategic initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, and the Year of Sustainability, as well as preparations for hosting COP 28. The strategy aims to reduce energy and water demand by 30% by 2030 for free zones and companies, while providing added value to businesses. It outlines methods for introducing innovation, awareness technologies, and processes related to energy demand reduction and sustainability, as well as providing resources, tools, programs, and policies to reduce the carbon footprint of free zones in collaboration with relevant government agencies.
The Council also explored a proposal to standardize the title and classifications of services offered in Dubai’s free zones, following the methodology adopted by the Dubai Model. The Dubai Model offers packages that simplify services, enhance service channels, meet client needs and expectations, and increase satisfaction levels.
Lastly, the Council discussed the importance of attracting Emirati talent to work in free zone companies in Dubai, and reviewed initiatives and achievements made in the past period. It affirmed the need to continue coordinating with free zone authorities to encourage companies to employ UAE nationals and benefit from government capabilities and incentives, such as the Nafis program. The Council emphasized the importance of supporting these initiatives and maintaining collaboration with work teams and the Emirati Human Resources Development Council in Dubai to empower a new generation of Emirati talents in various sectors within Dubai Free Zones.