Shahla Ahmed Abdul Razak |
The move is to bring down the existing lease rate of Dh10 in order to woo world class companies into Dafza.
Already, the free zone offers a 15-year renewable lease with an undertaking against imposition of any new taxes or any other financial burdens during this period.
To a query whether the rate can be brought down below Dh5 per square foot, Shahla Ahmed Abdul Razak, director, sales and marketing Dafza, said it cannot go down that low. "But, this will be one of the best rates available at a location close to any international airports in the world," Shahla added.
Shahla who received the Government Excellence Award on behalf of Dafza recently for the best distinguished government division, informed a multinational world class French company is set to join Dafza, which already has 153 companies on its roll.
Further Itochu, one of the 10 largest non-U.S. companies in the world, set up its regional office in Dafza a few weeks back. According to Shahla, by the end of the year, Dafza, one of the very few free zones in the region to receive ISO 9001: 2000, will see close to 200 companies setting up office in the free zone.
"Dafza has been going very aggressive on its marketing, and is currently approaching world class companies," she said. Dafza will participate in the first ever free zone exhibition to be held in the UAE early next year, and another one in India during this year.
Dafza, which is preparing itself for the prestigious UN bodies' recognition, has recently presented its papers to them. Once it receives the recognition from the UN body, Dafza would be in a position to offer consultancy to other free zones on free zone management.
Shahla said Dafza's scrutiny is very tough and in order for companies to qualify for registration in Dafza, the companies would have to meet several tough quality standards.
"Being an investor in Dubai Airport Free Zone will help companies enjoy attractive benefits including the advantage of being at Dubai International Airport. This will ensure that the exports are done in a hassle-free way.
The facilities of Dafza include the availability of prestigious office space, light industrial units and land for customised construction," Shahla said.
