The UAE has become the leading luxury car market in the GCC for Italian luxury car maker Maserati who have tripled their sales in two years from their base in the Dubai Airport Free Zone.

The company has also opened a training centre in Dubai Airport Free Zone to reinforce service to its clients, said a top company official.

Umberto Maria Cini, managing director of Maserati said the luxury automotive industry in the GCC was growing at a very fast rate.

'In the past two years, we more or less tripled our sales. We set up our base in the UAE in the Free Zone because of its strategic location for our customers. As such, it is now possible for us to manage the African countries out of Dubai.”

“Dubai Airport Free Zone provides added value to tenant companies ranging from speedy logistics, air cargo, networking and efficient handling through the Free Zone Logistics Centre. Our e-administration services and online customs procedures make our facilities even more attractive,” said Ibrahim Ahli, marketing director, Dubai Airport Free Zone.

Cini pointed out that the facility at the Free Zone was very well structured with the administration being proactive, and quick in establishing an office.

'Over and above, the benefit of the facility is the quick management response as well as the tax exemption and full foreign ownership of our company,' he opined.

“The administration department at Dubai Airport Free Zone is very helpful and cooperative. For instance, getting visas and certificates was very quick and easy. We also really appreciate the on line facilities on Dubai Airport Free Zone website.”

Cini said Maserati is currently conducting a feasibility study to expand their market into the Middle East and Africa regions.

“This in return, will result in an increase of investments. On another note, we have reinforced our structure in the area by opening a Maserati training centre for our staff.”

'Being in the niche market, our plan is to consolidate the presence of Maserati in the area. We are working with our partners by investing in new premises to better serve our customers.'

'And thanks to our strategic location, we are also evaluating other opportunities in the MEA region that we manage The choice of Dubai Airport Free Zone as the regional office of so many multinational industrial companies from all over the world attests to the excellent service and infrastructure that the Free Zone offers,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service