The Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) has announced measures to support entities operating from the free zone and help ensure business continuity in the face of the economic impact of the Covid-19 crisis.
The economic incentive packages announced by the authority aim to support companies based in DAFZA through initiative such as postponing lease payments for up to three months and facilitating financial payments into easier monthly instalments. Retailers operating within the free zone have been exempted from lease payments for a period up to three months while DAFZA has also said it will refund the security deposits on the leased spaces and labour guarantees to companies and will also exempt new companies from registration and licensing fees. The free zone authority added that fines of DAFZA-based companies will also be cancelled.
“By launching this package, we aim to reduce the impact of this crisis on businesses. We stand in solidarity with our companies to overcome the challenges caused by the global spread of Covid-19,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of DAFZA.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to providing the ideal environment for them to ensure their business continuity and to help develop and grow their operations despite the fluctuations and global economic conditions. This package will support companies through these exceptional circumstances that have unexpectedly affected various businesses sectors and activities.
“DAFZA is a key partner for many companies operating in more than 20 vital sectors within the free zone. This package will guarantee continuity and commercial movement within the free zone. We reassure companies during this difficult time that their companies’ investments and businesses are in a safe place and that we will overcome this crisis stronger.”
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, director general of DAFZA, added: “These new incentives reaffirm DAFZA’s continuous efforts to provide all forms of support to its customers and companies based in the free zone. This initiative comes as a complement to a series of facilities and support services that we provide to companies during this situation, which is affecting their operations and might lead them to difficult conditions in the short and long term. This comes in line with our continuous efforts to support companies under all circumstances, as they are vital to the local and global economy. DAFZA is working closely with its strategic partners to provide them with support, maintain sustainability and ensure business continuity.”
A statement from DAFZA also said that the authority has taken a set of preventive measures to limit the spread of the Coronavirus within the free zone. A committee for emergency and crises has been formed and is working round-the-clock to monitor and follow up the operations of the free zone during this difficult period. The committee’s role is to ensure also that all instructions and directives issued by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention and other authorities are applied in the free zone.
The statement added that the free zone has implemented a 100% remote work system within the authority’s buildings based on electronic and smart applications and advanced technical infrastructure that the country and the free zone provides.
DAFZA has urged its companies to implement the system in order to preserve the health of their employees and their vital business community. This comes in line with the directives of the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources to activate this system for all federal ministries, authorities, institutions, and the private sector, knowing that all of its services are available to customers through their own application and electronic portal.
DAFZA has also closed all external facilities within the free zone, including food courts and other facilities. A comprehensive campaign has been launched to clean and sterilise all streets, buildings, facilities and warehouses within the free zone.
“DAFZA is committed to all health guidelines that deal with this pandemic and limit its spread by applying the best global practices approved in this field, as well as issuing directives to companies and their owners to support them develop a strategy to deal with the current situation. This helps them protect their employees and facilities, and provides other technical and financial support to manage the crisis,” said the statement from the authority.
