Ajman Free Zone Excellence Awards celebrate top partners in 2026

The second edition of the Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) Excellence Awards returned in grand style, bringing together industry leaders, partners, and stakeholders for an evening dedicated to celebrating outstanding performance, collaboration, and growth.

Held at the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai, the event underscored Ajman Free Zone’s evolution as one of the UAE’s most established and forward-looking free zones. With a legacy spanning over 38 years since its establishment in 1988, AFZ has played a pivotal role in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape of the Northern Emirates and beyond. Today, it supports more than 25,000 businesses across 160 countries, reinforcing its position as a global business hub and a key contributor to the UAE’s economic diversification and competitiveness.

Recent accolades, including Free Zone of the Year and the Pioneering Free Zone Transformation Award, highlight AFZ’s continued commitment to innovation, progress, and excellence. Through its support of startups, SMEs, and international enterprises, AFZ contributes directly to the UAE’s broader economic vision, helping to drive trade, create jobs, and strengthen the country’s position as a regional and global business destination.

A key highlight of the evening was the leadership address by Ismail Al Naqi, Director General of the Free Zones Authority of Ajman, who shared insights into AFZ’s journey, achievements, and vision for the future.

“When we launched the first edition, we did not anticipate this scale of success in recognising our partners’ contribution to the Ajman Free Zone growth story,” said Al Naqi. “Today, Ajman Free Zone holds a leading market share in the Northern Emirates in terms of new client acquisition, and our channel partners play a significant role in that growth.

“These events are an important platform for us. They allow us to continuously engage with our community, create value, and listen to feedback on challenges, opportunities, and suggestions. Community development sits at the heart of our approach, whether within our ecosystem or across our broader stakeholder framework,” Al Naqi said.

“We work on a vertically integrated model that brings channel partners and the wider business community closer together. It is important that our partners understand our latest progress, initiatives, and future direction. When they are clear on our strategy, it becomes easier for them to align their own plans with ours and grow alongside us,” he added.

The evening celebrated 25 award categories, recognising partners for excellence across financial performance, market expansion, operational efficiency, customer experience, innovation, and strategic collaboration. The awards shone a spotlight on the diverse contributions of AFZ’s partners, whose dedication and innovation help strengthen the UAE’s economy and foster a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The evening also provided a platform for networking and collaboration, allowing partners to explore new opportunities and reaffirm their commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and businesses at every stage of growth.

The Ajman Free Zone Excellence Awards have firmly established themselves as a highlight of the UAE business calendar, showcasing how strategic partnerships, innovation, and operational excellence contribute not only to AFZ’s success but also to the sustainable growth of the UAE economy.