Jebel Ali Industrial Area

Jebel Ali Industrial Area is one of Dubai’s oldest and most significant industrial districts, established in the 1970s as part of the emirate’s strategic initiative to diversify its economy beyond oil and develop robust infrastructure for trade and manufacturing.

The area is situated near the Port of Jebel Ali, which was inaugurated in 1979 under the decree of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, marking a pivotal moment in Dubai’s transformation into a global trade and logistics hub.

Covering a vast expanse east of the port and surrounded by Jebel Ali Village, Dubai Investments Park, and the Jebel Ali Free Zone, the industrial area was designed to accommodate a variety of industries including manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, construction, and automotive sectors.

The creation of the Jebel Ali Free Zone in 1985 added a further dimension to the region’s growth, offering business-friendly policies, such as exemptions from corporate and personal taxes, no import or re-export duties, and easy labor recruitment, which attracted thousands of multinational companies and investors.

Over the decades, the industrial area expanded significantly in scale and scope, evolving into one of the Middle East’s largest and most important industrial hubs. Its development has been a core driver of Dubai’s economic diversification and industrialization, playing a crucial role in the city’s ambition to become a leading global center for commerce and industry.

The area has experienced some industrial fires over the years but continues to maintain robust growth and attracts new businesses due to its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and connectivity to key transportation networks including maritime and air cargo facilities.

Today, Jebel Ali Industrial Area stands as a major contributor to Dubai’s economy and a symbol of the emirate’s success in fostering industrial innovation and investment.