By Dominic Welling
Dubai Airport Freezone contributed more than $14 billion to the total volume of Dubai trade in 2010.
According to a study published by the Dubai Airport Freezone, total exports from Dubai hit $97 billion in 2010, of which the Dubai Airport Freezone contributed 6%, or just under $6 billion.
Meanwhile, overall imports into Dubai reached $149 billion last year, of which $8.5 billion, or 5.6%, was contributed by Dubai Airport Freezone.
In total, the freezone accounted for 5.8% or $14 billion of total Dubai trade in 2010.
Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, director general of Dubai Airport Freezone, says: "The impressive contribution of Dubai Airport Freezone to the overall trade volume in Dubai is a testament to our commitment and effort towards supporting the local economy.
"We will continue to attract more international investments by enabling an environment for businesses in our cluster to thrive."
Over the last 15 years Dubai Airport Freezone has attracted more than 1,450 companies.
These include big multinationals from a variety of sectors such as the aviation industry, pharmaceutical products, telecommunications, electronic materials, cargo and freight.
Furthermore, the freezone attracted 102 new companies in 2010.
Dr. Zarooni adds: "The strategy of the Dubai government to stimulate economic activities through free zones is yielding positive results and helping to attract more foreign investments into the country."
