Announcements

Dubai launches One Freezone Passport to simplify business expansion across emirate

Published

6 months ago

July 22, 2025

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Dubai has officially rolled out the One Freezone Passport, a groundbreaking initiative that allows businesses to operate across all free zones in the emirate under a single business licence. Launched by the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC) on Tuesday, the move is expected to streamline company operations, encourage foreign investment, and accelerate business expansion across Dubai’s diverse economic zones.

Global luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton is the first company to leverage the new system, maintaining its warehouse operations in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) while opening its corporate office at One Za’abeel in the DWTC Free Zone. The cross-zone expansion was completed in just five days, highlighting the efficiency and agility of Dubai’s business environment.

A transformative move for business in Dubai

Dr Juma Al Matrooshi, Assistant Secretary General of the DFZC, said that the seamless expansion of Louis Vuitton under the programme reflects Dubai’s efficiency and reinforces the city’s appeal as a top-tier global investment hub.

With over two dozen free zones, Dubai caters to sectors ranging from media and trade to technology and education. These zones contribute significantly to the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade, which grew by 18.6% year-on-year in Q1 2025, reaching Dh835 billion.

What the One Freezone Passport enables

The One Freezone Passport allows companies licensed in one free zone to:

Operate in other Dubai free zones without the need for a new licence.
Access facilities and services across multiple economic zones.
Streamline their operational footprint and reduce regulatory friction.

Amna Al Ali, Vice-President of Licensing and Registration at Jafza, added that this programme unlocks new growth opportunities for businesses by removing traditional barriers to cross-zone operations.

“Companies can now benefit from facilities across the emirate without additional licensing, enhancing Dubai’s competitiveness on the global stage,” she said.

Difference between Free Zone and LLC
According to Commercial Law in the UAE, a foreign investor can own only up to 49% of the shares in an LLC registered in mainland Dubai. On the other hand, free zones permit 100% ownership of a company by foreign investors; that is why they are quite popular among entrepreneurs looking to invest in Dubai.

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Announcements

Ajman to launch new Rental Dispute Resolution Centre under 2026 law

Published

24 hours ago

January 29, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Ajman has announced the establishment of a new Rental Dispute Resolution Centre, aimed at streamlining landlord-tenant disputes and strengthening stability in the emirate’s real estate sector.

His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, has issued Law No. (1) of 2026, formally creating the centre and replacing the existing rental disputes committee.

Clearer, Faster Rental Dispute Resolution

The new law introduces transparent and clearly defined mechanisms for reviewing and adjudicating rental disputes, with the objective of:

Protecting the rights of landlords and tenants
Enhancing confidence in Ajman’s property market
Supporting a stable and attractive investment environment

Jurisdiction and Scope

The specialised centre will have authority over all rental-related disputes between landlords and tenants, including:

Residential and commercial properties
Properties located within free zones

Cases will be handled using procedures aligned with recognised legal and judicial standards, ensuring fairness and consistency.

Boosting Market Stability

Officials said the new centre is designed to:

Speed up dispute resolution
Reduce litigation timelines
Ensure swift and effective justice

The move is expected to contribute to social and economic stability in Ajman’s leasing and real estate sector, while reinforcing investor confidence.

Announcements

Dubai launches global challenge to build the world’s first fully robotic villa

Published

2 days ago

January 28, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai Municipality has launched a global challenge to construct the world’s first residential villa built entirely using robotic construction systems, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global testbed for advanced building technologies.

The project will be delivered by a consortium of more than 25 local and international technology companies and academic institutions, led by Dubai Municipality. Officials say the initiative aims to develop scalable, next-generation construction models that boost productivity, sustainability, and quality.

The announcement was made during the launch of 04 ConTech Valley, Dubai’s new Construction Innovation and Research Centre, developed in partnership with Expo City Dubai.

Global ConTech Momentum

At the event, Dubai Municipality also unveiled the Global ConTech Report, which projects that global construction technology investment will exceed $30 billion by 2033, growing at 17.5% annually.

Key findings highlight:

Labour shortages are a major global challenge
Rising investment in robotics and additive manufacturing
Rapid adoption of AI, robotics, prefabrication, and infrastructure technologies

Building a Stronger Innovation Ecosystem

Dubai Municipality also launched the ConTech Working Group, in collaboration with Dubai Chambers, bringing together government, developers, contractors, investors, researchers, and tech firms to accelerate innovation across the sector.

70–70 Strategy for 2030

Dubai also launched the 70–70 Strategy, aiming to shift 70% of construction to off-site manufacturing and achieve 70% factory automation by 2030, driving higher efficiency and sustainability.

Announcements

Dubai unveils mega Dubai Food District, set to become one of the world’s largest food trade hubs

Published

1 week ago

January 22, 2026

Michael Gomes

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DP World has officially unveiled Dubai Food District, a bold transformation of the Al Aweer Central Fruit and Vegetable Market into one of the largest and most advanced food trade hubs in the world.

Rolling out in phases from 2027, the mega district will more than double the current market’s footprint to 29 million sq ft, bringing trade, storage, processing and distribution together under one roof. Think cold-chain logistics, smart warehousing, food processing, digital solutions, cash-and-carry zones and even a gourmet food hall.

Announced last year by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the project expands beyond fruits and vegetables to include dairy, staples, gourmet and specialty foods, positioning Dubai as a global gateway for food trade and food security.

Built on Al Aweer’s strong legacy, serving over 2,500 traders since 2004, the district aims to boost efficiency, cut supply chain risks and help food businesses reach markets faster and smarter. With multimodal connectivity to more than 20 global markets, DP World is betting big on Dubai’s role at the heart of the future food economy.