Business | Aviation
Expansion of free zone on schedule
The Dubai Airport Free Zone's expansion plans are on track, with four of the six new buildings now complete, a senior official said on Saturday.
- Staff Report
- Published: 23:02 November 29, 2008
Dubai: The Dubai Airport Free Zone's expansion plans are on track, with four of the six new buildings now complete, a senior official said on Saturday.
To meet growing demand and broaden its base, Dubai Airport Free Zone has embarked on an expansion plan that began early last year.
"Over the past 12 years, Dubai Airport Free Zone has grown into one of the most successful economic ventures in the Gulf region. The free zone is now home to more than 1,500 multinational companies with flexible operations processes that meet client demand," said Adel Gafan, executive director of the zone's technical services department.
"Our expansion plans called for six new buildings that stretch over a total built-up area of 228,000 square metres and a leasable area of 100,000 square metres. The project started in early 2007 and is to be completed this year. In all, it has taken us 22 months," he added.
Gafan said that four of the six buildings were complete and tenants had moved in.
The fifth building had been leased and was being decorated, he added, and tenants are scheduled to begin moving in next month.
Ascon is the main contractor for the project with Al Gurg serving as the project consultant. Total cost for the West Wing 4, 5 and 6 buildings was Dh446 million. The other three buildings - East Wing 4, 5 and 6 - were built at a lower cost.
Gafan said the six buildings could accommodate more than 900 tenants. Each building was expected to house approximately 150 companies, depending on the area required by each client.
The next phase of the expansion will be West Wing 7, which will offer 32,000 square metres of leasable space.
Gafan said the new buildings improved on the design of the old structures with each boasting a dedicated landscaped atrium, two-level basement and an excellent view of the airport.
"Dubai is pro-business and has a forward-looking vision and well-developed infrastructure. These are the things that make investment in Dubai very attractive for a wide assortment of businesses," he said.
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