DAFZA launches innovative ‘smart' solutions at GITEX 2016

UAE – October 19, 2016 – The Dubai Airport Freezone Authority’s (DAFZA) extensive array of ‘smart’ projects and innovative applications are drawing huge attention at the ongoing 36th GITEX Technology Week at the Dubai World Trade Centre, a prestigious event that runs until October 20, 2016. Key decision makers, government figures, and international visitors commended DAFZA’s smart solutions, which cement the Freezone’s leadership as one of the world’s most advanced and innovative free zones--emphasizing its sophisticated and interactive features as key catalysts to help boost Dubai’s smart transformation efforts. The state-of-the-art services and initiatives displayed by DAFZA are specifically designed for multinational companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in order to ensure their optimal functional efficiency at lower operational costs, therefore strengthening their role in driving national economic growth.

GITEX is an ideal platform for DAFZA to showcase its initiatives in support of Dubai’s smart transformation and highlight its major role in the provision of advanced solutions and high-level services aligned with 21st century requirements. DAFZA’s initiatives are backed by an integrated plan to develop sophisticated and environment-friendly technological infrastructure; continuously build modern facilities; and provide a comprehensive portfolio of smart services in a bid to make the Freezone an attractive environment for major global businesses.

DAFZA’s GITEX participation has shed light on its successive achievements in enhancing customer experiences. DAFZA has attained higher customer satisfaction levels over the past years thanks to its continuous deployment of modern technologies such as smart e-payment, supplier portal and the ‘SMART Mir’ah’ (‘Mirror’); a prevailing culture of innovation; and the implementation of key projects supporting the growth of companies operating within the Freezone. These aim to ensure efficient implementation of strategic plans and continuous improvement of corporate performance according to the highest standards of leadership and excellence. Among the next-generation projects being showcased at GITEX include the DAFZA Eye application which enables customers to file reports and complaints that need immediate investigation and a new state-of-the-art Business Center which features modern and hi-tech meeting rooms with individual touch screens that can accommodate smart and interactive presentations and video conferences.

Additionally, DAFZA unveiled a series of its new innovative projects including a ‘DAFZA Internal Portal’ for all internal operations; designed to manage ICT services applications based on the service level agreements and a new easy-to-use main control panel.

The smart projects are based on next-generation technologies. Some of these are attendance tracking via smart phones, development of new sales packages, automated renewal of leases and employment contracts, Smart Traffic Management systems, a Smart Pass, Automatic Number Plate Recognition, a centralized and smart fire alarm systems, and LED street lighting, among others.

Buthaina Bin Fahad, Senior Director of DAFZA’s ICT Department, said: “We are excited to unveil our latest smart solutions at GITEX Technology Week 2016. These new offerings contribute to supporting enterprises of all sizes in recognition of their role in boosting Dubai’s and the UAE’s economy. We are confident that our new and innovative services will also help DAFZA-based enterprises in their continuing efforts to keep up with the rapid developments brought forth by the ongoing smart transformation. It will support their growth in accordance with the government’s efforts to attract more Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) with the aim of promoting economic diversification and ultimately the post-oil phase.”

Bin Fahad added: “DAFZA was at the forefront of implementing quality projects in the country during the first half of this year, resulting in the improved delivery of quality services and solutions and furthering the Freezone’s status as an ideal gateway to promising markets in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. Automation and smart transformation efforts have yielded tangible results especially in facilitating customers’ access to services via smart applications. Our smart initiatives have been playing a key role in stimulating innovation, upgrading the quality and excellence of services, improving functional efficiency, enhancing safety and security standards, and modernizing the information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure. This proves our commitment to our wise leadership’s directives to make Dubai the happiest and smartest city in the world.”

DAFZA has made great strides in improving its security network, integrating various affiliate networks, and completing ISO 27001 and ISO 20000 audit checklists. Recently, DAFZA achieved a highest score on the Happiness Meter index, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring customer satisfaction and happiness by providing excellent services to meet the expectations of international and multinational corporations.