Dubai CommerCity, the region’s first e-commerce free zone, has announced its title sponsorship of the Seamless Middle East 2018 convention. The event, held under the patronage of Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; will be hosted at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center on April 15 and 16. The event will highlight the high potential and positive trends within the regional e-commerce sector.
The sponsorship of the event by Dubai CommerCity, a joint venture between the Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) and the Wasl Asset Management Group; falls in line with its mission to explore the future of e-commerce, to further propel its growth and success, and to become the most attractive and ideal Dubai-based e-commerce destination.
Based on a unique operating system, the venture utilizes and combines its attractive investment advantages as a free zone with its technological advantages that enable customers to efficiently and quickly establish and launch their business in the region. Further benefits include the myriad of logistical advantages for distribution that attract and match the needs of e-commerce companies through its geographical proximity to the Dubai International Airport, state roads, and land and sea ports.
Amna Lootah, Assistant Director General – Finance, Commercial & Customer relations Division Foster of DAFZA Innovation & Future Unit commented: “Dubai CommerCity will drive the growth of the e-commerce sector in the region, which is expected to reach about USD 69 billion by 2020 in the Middle East and USD 24 billion in the GCC alone. The e-commerce free zone will stay abreast of the sector’s progress by developing unique infrastructure and by offering products, services and solutions in line with the regional market requirements. This will be also based on local and global expertise to guide relevant companies towards growth and prosperity according to a clear vision and carefully considered plans.”
Amna Lootah highlighted the importance of this strategic exhibition as it coincides with the objectives of Dubai CommerCity, which are based on attracting investments in specialized e-commerce, retail and smart payment solutions.
“The participation of Dubai CommerCity is an important strategic step which shows its key role in supporting Dubai’s global position as an ideal destination for global e-commerce. Seamless Middle East 2018 is a key attraction for leading global e-commerce companies and we believe that the event will showcase the opportunities within the sector,” she said.
Representatives of Dubai CommerCity are scheduled to participate in a panel discussion with other leading decision makers and representatives of international e-commerce companies along the sidelines of the conference. The conference will focus on the importance of a national e-commerce zone and its role in facing the challenges that may obstruct the acceleration of the sector’s growth. Discussions will also include the role of Dubai CommerCity in its provision of comprehensive and integrated solutions for companies operating in this field by highlighting successful experiences that have driven the growth of such sectors within the UAE.
Dubai CommerCity, an AED 2.7-billion, 2.1-million square feet in the Umm Ramool area, is the first free zone dedicated to e-commerce in the MENA region which is strategically intended to promote Dubai’s position as a leading platform for international e-commerce and to support economic diversification and smart transformation strategies. It is also set to establish a unique and sustainable economy based on growth, innovation, diversification, and competitiveness. These are features of the post-oil stage which are in line with Dubai Plan 2021’s goal of making Dubai first globally in ease of doing business as well as a preferred investment destination by 2021.
Dubai CommerCity has exceptional competitive advantages that make it one of the most attractive free zones for foreign direct investment in the regional markets, and a unique gateway for Dubai and the UAE to access a promising international economic sector. The new free zone is strategically located near the Dubai International Airport, well-connected to major local and national highways. It provides direct access for e-commerce stakeholders in the MENA and South Asia regions. It offers world-class cargo and logistics services and an integrated and sophisticated infrastructure with easy access to land and seaports, enabling swift and efficient distribution and delivery of services which are essential to competing in the world of e-commerce as well as minimizing supply chain costs.