DP World’s top management steers the course to success
The automotive and spare parts companies operating in DP World’s flagship Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) recorded business worth AED 39.5bn (US$ 10.75bn) in 2017, the Dubai-headquartered international ports operator revealed.
DP World, UAE Region recently hosted a forum for automotive companies to celebrate the close ties with the industry and to highlight the sector’s position as a cornerstone of business growth in JAFZA.
“The encouraging performance of the sector underlines Dubai’s position as the preferred logistics and distribution centre for the automotive industry in the region which has been with us since the beginning,” pointed out Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DP World.
The vehicle and transport sector accounts for 11% of JAFZA’s customers’ base and there are currently 546 automotive companies from 62 countries, employs over 8,200 people. Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone created a RoRo hub that moved 1.1 million vehicles through the port in RoRo carriers and containers in 2017.
“Our flagship Jebel Ali Port is served by more than 180 shipping lines that offer over 80 services a week, making it the gateway to the UAE and wider GCC and connecting to a global network in 40 countries,” affirmed Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, and CEO of JAFZA.
Optimism in the automotive sector
There is rising optimism in the UAE’s automotive sector following two years of strong headwinds. According to BMI Research, a Fitch Group company, 2018 will see a 4% growth in new vehicle sales in the UAE. BMI Research’s growth forecast for the MENA region is 7.3% in 2018, led by commercial vehicle sales, while the GCC markets will return to positive growth of 2.9%.
A panel discussion was held during the forum on Automotive Supply Chain attended by Franz Redwitz, Managing Director of MAN Truck & Bus Middle East; Dr Nima Mehrdadi, Managing Director of Hella Middle East; Marc Pasquet, President of Michelin Africa India and Middle East Region and Tariq Mahmood, General Manager of Cars 4U.
Leading industry companies including Honda, Nissan, Ford, Michelin, Al Futtaim Logistics among others attended the forum.
