FROM VISIONARY DREAM TO A GLOBAL POWERHOUSE

By: HE Khalifa Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC) and Dubai South.

“I want Dubai to be number one. Not in the region, but in the world. Number one in everything: high education, health, and housing. I want to give my people the highest way of living.”

This vision, articulated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, goes beyond mere aspiration; it represents a lofty ambition. Dubai South was established to bring this vision to life and is a cornerstone of its success. Our dedication to developing an integrated city extends beyond infrastructure; it encompasses pursuing and maintaining a global standard.

Striving for excellence

In an ever-evolving era, urban landscapes undergo constant transformation. Over the years, we have witnessed the significant impact of integrated cities in stimulating economic growth within their communities and on a global scale. Dubai South exemplifies this concept flawlessly.

Dubai South is currently home to more than 3,900 companies operating across the Logistics District, Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub,?the Business Park, and The Residential District. These companies represent a wide range of sectors and enjoy the advantages of our integrated system, state-of-the-art facilities, and unmatched services. Our mission is clear: to drive their success in this thriving commercial hub. However, our strategic roadmap extends beyond the boundaries of Dubai South. We play a pivotal role in the UAE’s comprehensive diversification strategy, an objective that was set in motion several years ago.

Cultivating a diverse ecosystem

Recognising the changing dynamics of the global economy and the growing significance of strategic trading corridors, we have positioned ourselves at the forefront of this transformative journey. Dubai South has emerged as a key driver of Dubai’s diversification initiatives, serving as a premier launchpad and international business hub for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to connect with global markets through a comprehensive multi-modal platform. Spanning across 145 square kilometres.

Nonetheless, Dubai South surpasses being a mere symbol of strategic urban planning; it represents the realisation of Dubai’s visionary aspirations and holds a prominent position within the global economy. It stands out not only for its distinctive offerings but also for its unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. In our vision, Dubai South is more than a physical location; it is a vibrant, dynamic, and integrated hub that fosters continuous growth and prosperity.

An enclave for empowered tenants

Dubai is renowned for its exceptional safety standards and proactive environment, making it an ideal destination for visitors, residents, and professionals alike. As a global hub for business, tourism, and innovation, Dubai offers investors and tenants a wide range of benefits. Notably, the Dubai South real estate hub significantly shapes the city’s real estate market and prospects. It encompasses a residential district, retail spaces, and a business park, creating a vibrant living environment. This innovative project, known as the emirate’s first urban lifestyle project, is fully committed to supporting economic expansion and diversification plans, making it a key contributor to Dubai’s growth and development.

The Residential District within Dubai South redefines urban living by providing a world-class community that prioritises the happiness and well-being of its residents. Aligned with Dubai South’s commitment to developing high-quality and affordable residences, the Residential District offers a remarkable living experience. On the other hand, the Business Park within Dubai South offers an attractive proposition for commercial tenants, providing them with free-zone incentives that include the advantage of total foreign ownership. This encourages investment and business growth in key sectors that significantly contribute to strengthening the emirate’s economy.

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Revolutionising the logistics industry

The logistics industry in the UAE is currently experiencing a significant transformation. As part of the diversification plans and efforts to harmonise regional trade, there has been a notable modernisation of the national industry, particularly in Dubai. With its strategic location, the emirate has become a key trans-shipment point for the UAE logistics market and a thriving multi-modal logistics hub, catering to the increasing demand of the growing international trade.?

Dubai South’s Logistics District plays a crucial role in driving the growth of the logistics sector in the UAE. Beyond that, it serves as a catalyst for fulfilling the government’s mandate to develop capabilities, knowledge, and practical solutions across various industries. This aligns with the strategic objective of positioning Dubai and the UAE as prominent economic players on the global stage. The district fosters knowledge-based, sustainable, and innovation-driven businesses, in line with the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030, which aims to position the nation at the forefront of the global landscape.

Digitising the path to purchase

With the focus on digitalisation shaping the future of trade in the UAE, the significant growth of e-commerce has become an integral part of this transformation. The UAE’s strategic position on the global trade map, robust capacity, and extensive logistical networks supported by government initiatives have contributed to the rapid expansion of the e-commerce sector. Today, customers can access a wide range of consumer goods and services with just a click on their mobile devices or computers, reflecting the momentum gained by the e-commerce market in the UAE.

The establishment of EZDubai, a dedicated e-commerce zone situated at the core of the Logistics District, has successfully filled the gap in the e-commerce landscape, not only in Dubai but also in the wider GCC region. With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, robust regulatory framework, seamless connectivity, and streamlined logistics processes, EZDubai is positioned to consolidate the UAE as a leading global hub for the e-commerce industry. Combining these exceptional factors sets the stage for the nation to become the epitome of the global e-commerce sector.

Aviation beyond borders

The UAE government recognises the paramount importance of aviation in the country’s sustainable development. It has invested significantly in constructing international airports, fostering leading international aviation companies, and developing infrastructure.

Spanning over 7 square-kilometre, Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) is made up of four key verticals and presents a variety of airside and landside solutions, ranging from plots with ready infrastructure, large industrial units, workshops, and built-to-suit facility developments. Its facilities are designed to accommodate engine shops, component and landing gear MROs, and workshops for other aerospace-related industries. The hub offers customer-centric, business-friendly solutions for companies, while also offering 100 per cent free-zone benefits and services.

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Additionally, Mohammad Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub raised the bar for private-jet owners and VIP travellers by offering a variety of customisable options, from a VIP Terminal that entails a dedicated fuel farm with a 20-minute response time to dedicated catering options; helicopter shuttle services; aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO); as well as access to aircraft hangars.?Our aim through MBRAH is to foster the emirate’s vision of becoming a leading aviation and aerospace hub.

Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination

Dubai South remains steadfast in its commitment to forge an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable economic model that will enhance the UAE and Dubai’s position on the global stage.