Dafza H1 revenues soar 82%

The Dubai Airport Freezone, or Dafza, has reported an impressive growth rate of 82 per cent in sales revenues for the first half of 2012, with a 90 per cent increase in rental of warehouse space, compared to the same period in 2011. As well as the increase in new tenants, the results show that during the first half of the current year there was an increase of eight per cent in requests for additional space requests, compared to same period in 2011. These requests were mostly made by European companies operating in the freezone. These encouraging results come amidst ascending concerns over the euro crisis. This highlights Dubai’s ability to provide ongoing investment opportunities to all foreign investors and the freezone’s role in providing high quality  facilities to support and drive its tenants’ businesses forward in the region. Dafza saw some 105 new companies opening offices in the first six months of 2012, which boosts the freezone’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP of more than 2.27 per cent. Also, during the first six months, European and American companies topped the list of new tenants at 37 per cent of the total, followed closely by Middle Eastern and Indian businesses, and Asian countries. The American and European markets have been of significant focus for the freezone over the past two years, and European companies now represent the biggest number of investors in Dafza. “The freezone’s strategic location, next door to Dubai International Airport, has given it unique strength and made it a favourite place for foreign companies,” Dafza director-general Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni said. From : Khalij