Dubai to Host Annual World Congress of the World Free Zones Organisation in September

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai is set to host the 10th edition of the World Free Zones Organisation (World FZO) World Congress.

The event, which will take place at Madinat Jumeirah from 23-25 September, is themed ‘Zones and the Shifting Global Economic Structures – Unlocking New Investment Avenues’.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the World Free Zones Organisation, with Dubai hosting the event for the second consecutive year and the fifth time overall. The previous edition was one of the largest in the organisation’s history, contributing significantly to its ongoing success.

The congress will gather representatives from economic zones across the globe, underscoring the World FZO’s commitment to advancing the role of economic zones in global trade, through which more than a third of global commerce flows. The event will highlight the impact of these zones in bolstering national economies, facilitating trade exchanges, driving the digital economy, attracting foreign investments, and supporting various economic sectors.

This year’s congress is expected to attract representatives from over 100 countries, including more than 2,000 global and regional business leaders, free zone officials, and experts from the logistics services and multilateral organisation sectors.

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Participants will also include investors, entrepreneurs, academics, and representatives from various governmental and semi-governmental entities, as well as major companies involved in these sectors.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Chairman of the World Free Zones Organisation, stated: “Hosting the 10th World FZO World Congress reflects Dubai’s commitment to the development of global economic zones, which are the backbone of international trade today. This aligns with the Emirate’s drive to double its foreign trade to reach AED 25 trillion and establish trade corridors with 400 new cities by 2033, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and its ambitious targets.

“We are looking forward to organising another successful edition in Dubai that aligns with the UAE’s efforts to elevate its position as a global economic hub within major economic groups. This event’s growing strategic importance supports efforts to achieve sustainable economic development, build and consolidate trade relations, and establish partnerships between economic zones in the World FZO’s member countries.

“The congress aims to expand its focus to modern economic sectors that embrace Artificial Intelligence, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and advanced technology. This supports the establishment of national economies based on knowledge and innovation, contributing effectively to comprehensive growth and prosperity in the global economy.”

Dr. Al Zarooni also emphasised that holding the event in Dubai provides an opportunity to present in-depth visions and anticipate the future of the economic zones sector globally. It facilitates constructive discussions on ways to ease business operations, connect markets, and offer customers cost-effective processes. This aligns with the World FZO’s efforts to elevate the sector, keep pace with global developments, and encourage the adoption of the highest standards, the latest legislation, and policies.

The Organisation currently has over 1,600 members from 141 countries, with a global representation through 12 regional offices and 42 national focal points. Since its establishment a decade ago, the World FZO has been dedicated to strengthening and expanding its membership base and fostering dialogue among all parties to promote growth and prosperity for global economies through the free zone model.

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