“The emirate offers an ideal location and has become a window to the Middle East and the rest of the world,” said Cedric Burel, Regional Brand Manager of Ebel Swissam who have their regional head quarters in Dubai Airport Free Zone.
Mr. Burel noted that the company has already established a strong presence in the Middle East and the brand is doing well. “Plans are underway to enter the Egyptian market soon,” he stated.
Ebel was founded in 1911 in La Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland. In 2004, the company has been acquired by US-based MGI Group, who carries several brands such as Concord, Movado and license brands like Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach and Hugo Boss among others.
“Dubai Airport Free Zone is now home to 95 companies dealing in watches, jewellery and precious stones as well as luxury items making up a significant 7% of our total tenants,” remarked Mohammed bin Suwailem, Sales Director, Dubai Airport Free Zone. “We are delighted that our tenants are reporting strong business as Dubai Airport Free Zone offers unrivalled attractions as a base for doing business in the prosperous and growing markets of one of the world’s most rapidly developing regions,” he said.
Established in 1996, the Dubai Airport Free Zone is home to more than 1500 multinational companies from various sectors. With flexible operations processes that meet client demands, the Free Zone makes up a vibrant community of some of the biggest international companies.
Companies at the Free Zone enjoy 100% tax exemption, 100% ownership rights, and easy access to airport facilities, rapid cargo clearance and availability of competitively priced multinational talent in a cosmopolitan city. Leading companies located at the zone include Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Airbus, Isuzu, HTC, Benq, Victoria’s Secret, Boeing and LaCie.
About Dubai Airport Free Zone
Dubai Airport Free Zone established in 1996 offers companies operating at the Free Zone 100% foreign ownership, Free Zone companies will benefit from 100% repatriation of capital.100% Corporate, import/ export, personal income, and commercial levies tax exemption. The Dubai Free Zone facilities offered to companies include “one stop shop” administration services and investors oriented management. Companies can operate 24 hours and enjoy security around the clock, as well as make use of the excellent cargo handling facilities (1.6 million tonnes handled in 2007), 24-hour Customs services, Dedicated Logistics Center (DNATA /FLC), and a range of ready-built and custom-made facilities close to the airport apron.
Trade through Dubai Airport FZ represents approximately seven per cent of total Dubai Trade in 2007. It contributed five per cent to Dubai’s GDP. Businesses at Dubai Airport Free Zone resulted in a 75% increase in DNATA’s cargo handling facilities at Dubai Airport Free Zone since its establishment. The Free Zone has contributed a 100% increase in the handling capacity of DNATA at the Free Zone in the period 2005-2007. (Current capacity 200,000 tonnes per annum).
