Transport

Sky To Sea

Dubai Logistics City

With preparations for the World Expo 2020 moving forward at a steady pace, innovations such as Dubai World Central are setting a high standard for sustainable construction.

Mobility, and logistics, were a key element of the Dubai Expo 2020 bid, and continue to play a vital role in preparations for the exhibition. Authorities in the Emirate have understood for some time the importance of efficient logistics to the development of the city, the nation, and the wider world, and are aware of the need to constantly advance the technology involved to ensure correctly integrated services. The prominence of this economic sector in Dubai’s future strategy, and its development since the opening of the Dubai Logistics City (DLC) in 2010, will be emphasized throughout the Expo.

The enormous Al Maktoum International Airport lies at the heart of the DWC concept. With a potential annual capacity of 12 million tons of cargo and over 150 million passengers, this gateway aims to attract companies by offering improvements to international supply chains through an airport-seaport corridor. Goods being moved using this new conduit, particularly cargo with short life cycles, can be transported from the Port of Jebel Ali to Al Maktoum in just 20 minutes, dramatically reshaping the logistics potential of the Emirate. This development will be of particular interest to firms that are moving goods around the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Central Asia. In addition, the Etihad Rail network, when complete, will pass near to the area, as well as the E611, the E311, and the major national road artery, the E11.

The Dubai Logistics City section of DWC is dedicated to providing companies interested in taking advantage of the Emirate’s unique location with services, land, warehouses, and offices. Within the DLC, branches of foreign or Emirati firms and newly-constituted DWC Free Zone Enterprises are encouraged to establish logistics, trading, or industrial services with limited restrictions. Value-added facilities are also on offer, with light manufacturing available. The DLC covers 25 square kilometers, with over 400,000 sqm of office space that can be optimally configured according to specific requirements. In addition, cargo from Dubai International Airport can be easily transported directly to the DLC. Profits and capital gains taxes are not levied, and corporations are permitted to open bank accounts in a number of jurisdictions including, of course, Dubai. Complete foreign ownership is possible, while manageable visa regulations for skilled individuals serve to further entice prospective operators. Many companies are able to avoid double taxation due to the approximately 50 agreements entered into by the state in 2009 with partner nations. Leading companies in the sector, such as Aramex, Kuehne & Nagel, Panalpina, and Danzas, have all established significant operations in the zone, making full use of its exclusive advantages

Through the combination of a world-class international airport, one of the busiest ports on the planet, road and rail connections, and a favorable taxation scheme, the DLC is uniquely placed to give logistics firms the opportunity to connect with the wider world on an unprecedented scale. The mobility theme of Dubai 2020 will be played out over the coming five years at the DLC, developing the Emirate’s commanding position as a global logistics leader in anticipation of the event.