Ajman Free Zone reaffirms strong position as an investment and business-friendly destination with 1,792 new companies in 2021

• Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi: “Ajman Free Zone is a vital contributor to the diversity of national economic resources and a strategic destination for regional and international investments.”

• Ali AlSuwaidi: “Positive indicators highlight the ongoing strong performance of the free zone. The growing number of registered companies motivates us to further develop our services and business processes.”

• AFZ contributes to 22 per cent of total export activities and 24 per cent of total re-export activities in Ajman during 2021

• Marks 90 per cent in business occupancy rate and delivers almost a quarter of a million electronic transactions in 2021

Ajman Free Zone announced the results of its operational performance for 2021 and marked an increase in the number of registered companies by 1792.  The 4 per cent growth attained by AFZ compared to 2020 indicates the growing confidence of foreign investors and companies in the free zone’s portfolio of facilities and incentives. The results also indicated a high rate of occupancy in offices, warehouses, and business spaces within the AFZ, an increase in the sources of incoming investments and a rise in exports and re-exports.

A vital contributor to national economic growth 

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Board of Ajman Free Zones Authority, said: “As an organization, which holds a leading position in making vital contributions toward the growth and diversification of the national economy, AFZ will continue offering solutions and ideal environment for the growth and expansion of businesses, to attract companies from around the world. AFZ has earned its position as a strategic destination for regional and international investments.”

His Highness added: “Commitment to the development of its services and operations, achievement of strategic objectives to support business partners, the establishment of integrated business environment pillars recognizing the wide scope of facilities and incentives, development of infrastructure and quality and efficiency of electronic services, are a few of the reasons behind the success of AFZ. We look forward with confidence to more opportunities in the coming years, as we affirm our determination to ensure the growth of companies and accelerate the country’s transition towards a highly diversified economy.” 

2021 in review: AFZ’s achievements and milestones

In the previous year, AFZ has also marked a 90 per cent in rental units’ occupancy rate, which extends over more than 867,000 square meters, reflecting the momentum of business and investment activities. Ajman Free Zone has extensive business facilities, 530 warehouses, more than 7,000 offices, and 4 business complexes. 

AFZ, also marked another milestone in 2021, following its successful completion of 100 per cent automation and digitization of its services. During this period, AFZ also provided more than 240,000 e-transactions through its Customer Portal, a smart platform that offers an array of five-star rated solutions for government digital services. 

Further, Ajman Free Zone also strengthened its leading position as an active contributor to the export and re-export activities within Ajman, with AFZ contributing 22 per cent of total export activities and 24 per cent of total re-export activities in Ajman during 2021.

Positive results spotlight the importance of ensuring future-readiness

H.E. Eng. Ali AlSuwaidi, Director General of Ajman Free Zone, stated: “Ajman Free Zone’s results for 2021 is testament to the strength and efficiency of our operations and highlights our successful strategy. The surge in the number of new companies registered with AFZ across several vital sectors reflects the growing confidence in the competitive advantages offered by the free zone as a business incubator and the efficiency of its value-added solutions. We also express our gratitude to AFZ’s business community, strategic partners, and employees, who play a vital role in our continued successes. We are positive that this achievement will act as a catalyst in enhancing our operations and solutions to meet the growing and varied aspirations of business communities and investors.”

In 2021, AFZ marked many milestones in its leadership journey by winning prestigious global awards and recognitions, most notably the seventh place in the annual FDI Global Free Zones Ranking of the Financial Times.