The World Free Zones Organisation is set to unveil the “Free Zone of the Future” initiative next year, aiming to establish a center for innovation and entrepreneurship, according to a high-ranking official.
“Beginning in 2025, we will introduce our premier project – the Free Zone of the Future. This initiative will position free zones as leading business hubs, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation across sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare, tourism, agro-industries, and manufacturing,” stated Mohammed Al Zarooni, Chairman of the World Free Zones Organisation.
“To propel this transformation, we are launching critical initiatives including the Zones Academy for professional training, the Policy Dialogue for stakeholder collaboration, the Zones Library as a repository for best practices, and a National Integration Project to integrate free zones into the national economic framework for a more prosperous future,” Al Zarooni explained during his address at the 10th World Congress hosted by the World Free Zones Organisation.
He emphasized, “We are embarking on a new era with a keen focus on new investment opportunities. By fostering trust, we will strengthen our role as a reliable partner, offering the support and advocacy necessary to navigate the evolving global landscape.”
Al Zarooni also noted that while the global economy grapples with high inflation and unemployment, these challenges also present significant opportunities.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, highlighted during his opening speech that free zones are a cornerstone of the UAE’s economic strategy.
“We have 44 free zones with well-defined objectives to streamline business operations within a robust regulatory framework. These zones offer efficient infrastructure and a variety of services across sectors including technology, healthcare, logistics, and finance. The UAE’s free zones attract both international and domestic capital, supporting economic diversification through job creation and investment,” he added.
