Dubai’s Economic Zones World Launches Two Halal Zones

Economic Zones World (EZW), which operates the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza), Technopark and Dubai Auto Zone, has launched two new halal zones catering to the regional and international halal product markets.

Halal zones, opened in collaboration with Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC), will be situated in Jafza and Technopark, officials said in a statement.

The zone in Jafza, which will span 850,000 square metres, will serve the international Halal market while Technopark zone, spread over 700,000 square metres, will serve regional and local markets.

EZW officials added that the zones will have a one-stop-shop system, which will service customers’ needs in the halal supply chain and smooth operations.

“The initiative will meet the longstanding demand of EZW ‘s existing- over 700 leading companies in food & beverages, pharmaceutical – healthcare and cosmetics sectors,” said Hisham Abdullah Al Shirawi, chairman, EZW.

“These companies together generate trade worth Dhs16.8 billion. A large number of these firms are engaged in the business of production, marketing and distribution of Halal products in their respective sectors.”

EZW will identify the licencing needs of the zone and draft laws and regulations accordingly.

“The Halal sector is one of the key pillars in the global Islamic economy,” said Essa Kazim, governor of DIFC, chairman of DFM and secretary general and member of the board of the DIEDC.

“The importance of Halal to the overall Islamic economy can be gauged by the fact that the global Halal market is valued at $2.3 trillion and it is estimated that one out of every four human beings consumes halal products.

“Given the latent demand, the potential market for Halal products and services is huge and will continue to grow. It is critical, therefore, that an enabling infrastructure, supported by robust standards and regulations is developed to take the industry to the next stage of development.”

The emirate has powered various initiatives to tap into the booming Halal industry.

Dubai Industrial City, a part of TECOM investments, recently announced the launch of a Halal cluster, helping to drive the growth of halal food, cosmetics and personal care sectors in the UAE.