DAFZA to highlight role as global food & beverage gateway at Gulfood 2015

UAE – February 2, 2015 – The Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) has announced that it will be participating at the 20th edition of the world’s biggest annual food and hospitality show, the Gulfood.  The exhibition is taking place from 8 – 12 February 2015 at Dubai World Trade Centre with an expected participation of more than 4,800 international companies from 120 countries and more than 85,000 visitors from over 170 countries. DAFZA will enlighten visitors and exhibitors on its key role as a gateway for the global food and beverages (F&B) industry, in addition to the exceptional infrastructure, services and business incentives it offers.

The two major office solutions available at the freezone will also be presented. The higher-end Executive Suites includes office areas ranging from 47 to 62 sqm offered as Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Packages; each package comes with a fully-furnished and operational office that is comprehensive and cost effective. The more economical Desk Office Package, on the other hand, intends to help companies start small and reduce operating expenses in order to optimize performance amidst a challenging market.

During the exhibition, DAFZA will unveil some of its key projects such as DAFZA Square, a mixed-use development due for completion by Q1 2015. It will also showcase key facilities such as a recently completed multi-storey car park that can accommodate 835 vehicles plus more than 140 extra designated parking spaces for visitors; an upgraded central cooling plant that now runs on 40 per cent higher capacity while benefiting from advanced energy-saving technologies; and additional Light Industrial Units to be built for companies operating out of the freezone.

F&B ranks among DAFZA’s top 10 sectors by both Foreign Direct Investments and leading investors per industry. Currently, six per cent of companies in the Freezone operate in the food and beverage industry. Among the prominent global F&B brands currently operating in DAFZA are Heinz, Hershey, and Red Bull.

Jamal bin Marghoob, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications Department, DAFZA said: “Gulfood is a one-stop shop for exploring the biggest and best F&B and hospitality brands, innovations, trends and deals. Our presence at the exhibition will allow us to throw the spotlight on our move to become one of the world’s most vibrant F & B hubs. In addition, participating international businesses that are looking to mark their presence in the region can learn how they can benefit from setting up their branches in DAFZA.”

Bin Marghoob added: “Our participation at Gulfood directly reflects DAFZA’s commitment towards supporting and facilitating F&B industry which is one of the fastest growing sectors in the region that can add value to the country’s GDP. We already host a number of major F&B brands at DAFZA and look forward to further expanding both the sector and our ability to service it through our proactive participation at Gulfood 2015.”

DAFZA’s numerous business and investment incentives will be highlighted to F&B companies as well – including 100 per cent tax exemption, 100 per cent foreign ownership, zero currency restrictions, and a very business-friendly regulatory environment. Freezone representatives will discuss how F&B businesses can avail of DAFZA’s comprehensive line-up of ancillary services and facilities ranging from licensing and registration and employee sponsorship to banking and business support.