Jebel Ali
The port
Jebel Ali Port has an annual container capacity of 19.4 million TEU across four terminals, with more than 100 berths along 25 km of quay. In 2024 it handled 15.5 million TEU, up 1 million on 2023, and 5.4 million tonnes of breakbulk cargo.1
The Jebel Ali Rail Terminal links the port to the national rail network, with an annual capacity of 800,000 TEU, plans to reach 1.6 million, and up to eight trains a day. A vehicle yard at Terminal 4 has raised storage to 75,000 car equivalent units.2,5
Jebel Ali Free Zone
On 6 May 1980 Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum issued the law that set up a free zone at Jebel Ali, and Jafza was established by decree in 1985 with 19 companies. It now has more than 11,000 businesses from 157 countries, and its non-oil trade reached AED 713 billion in 2024, up 15% on 2023.3
Setting up
| Item | Who |
|---|---|
| Mainland licences | Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) |
| Chamber of commerce | Dubai Chamber |
Source: UAE Government Portal: Steps to start a business on the mainland; UAE Government Portal: National Economic Register, business licensing authorities; UAE Government Portal: Accessing services for mainland companies6,7,8
To set up inside the free zone, a company needs a licence issued by Jafza for its activities and a lease for premises suited to its operations.4
Frequently Asked Questions
Who licenses companies in Jebel Ali?
Companies in Jebel Ali Free Zone are licensed by Jafza. Mainland businesses in Jebel Ali are licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
Sources
- DP World: DP World records highest cargo volumes at Jebel Ali Port since 2015
- DP World: Hamdan bin Mohammed reviews operations and key developments at Jebel Ali Port
- Dubai Media Office: Hamdan bin Mohammed highlights Jafza's contribution to Dubai's economy over four decades (5 May 2025)
- Jebel Ali Free Zone: Rules and regulations
- DP World: DP World expands vehicle capacity at Jebel Ali to meet surging demand
- UAE Government Portal: Steps to start a business on the mainland
- UAE Government Portal: National Economic Register, business licensing authorities
- UAE Government Portal: Accessing services for mainland companies
Figures checked 23 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. Figures come from the sources listed.