Trade at Dubai free zones estimated to amount to $140bn in 2015

It is estimated that trade within Dubai’s trade zones will increase by 5% in 2015. The value of trade is set to reach $140.2 billion (AED515 billion) as opposed to last year’s total trade value which amounted to AED489 billion.
According to credible sources from the Chamber of Commerce and Dubai Customs, the value of trade in Dubai may boost by 7%.
According to the Arabic Daily Al Bayan, 37% of the total value of Dubai’s trade is attributed to trade activity within the emirate’s free zones.
Figures revealed that Dubai’s foreign trade activity went up by 6.5%, reaching the peak of AED130 billion, during the first financial quarter of 2015.
Over the following three years, Dubai is set on establishing itself as the leading city for corporate residents in North Africa as well as the Middle East region.
The first Occupier Sentiment Survey conducted in the MENA area revealed that Dubai is considered the preferred destination for regional business activities, although Egypt and Saudi Arabia are still in demand by companies that provide their services to these markets.
Dubai’s free zones are home to 20000 foreign companies. These companies contribute to approximately 25% of the emirate’s GDP, 50% of foreign direct investments and offer about 200,000 job positions.
Dubai is home to 23 free trade zones in total. Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone generates 80% of Dubai’s trade within its free zones.