Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), the region’s premier business and logistics hub is showcasing its auto sector capabilities at the 16th Automechanika Dubai show, which opened at the Dubai World Trade Centre on May 1.

Jafza has reinforced its position as the location of choice for the industry handling over a fifth of Dubai’s total automotive trade worth Dh39.5 billion ($10.75 billion) in 2017. This equates to over 21 per cent of Dubai’s total trade value of Dh184.6 billion for the sector over the same period.

Jafza is exhibiting its services as a premier business location at Automechanika Dubai featuring logistics solutions such as storage and distribution, transportation management and customs brokerage.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group chairman and chief executive officer, DP World, said: “We’ve built the most sophisticated and efficient integrated port-and-free zone mod at Jafza and Jebel Ali Port giving companies the ability to setup operations and work on growing their business.  Our customer focused approach helps businesses develop their products and services and adapt rapidly to the demands of local and regional markets.

“Jebel Ali’s provides access to many global markets l supported by one-stop business solutions. We’re nurturing the automotive trade and are geared for growth, providing the best services for the sector in the region,” he added.

Jebel Ali Port offers90 weekly shipping services to 140 direct ports of call and accommodates 340 logistics companies in tandem with a custom-bonded Dubai Logistics Corridor.

There are 546 automotive companies from 62 countries that have established a presence in Jafza, including industry leading Fortune 500 firms such as Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, GM, and Bridgestone. Around 78 per cent of the UAE's used car imports pass through Jebel Ali and re-exported to more than 150 countries.

The three-day Automechankia Dubai is the leading trade show for the automotive and spare parts sector in the GCC. Over 30,000 visitors from 136 countries attend the three-day exhibition which attracts buyers, sellers and decision makers from across the world.

According to a BMI report, new car sales in the UAE are expected to increase by four per cent in 2018, while the industry is expected to see 7.3 per cent growth across the Mena region. – TradeArabia News Service