Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (Dafza), one of the fastest growing premium free zones in the region, has registered a 31 per cent year-on-year increase in its net profit for the first half compared to last year.

Dafza also witnessed a 30 per cent jump in its sales revenues for the period driven by a significant rise in office sales, with a 67 per cent increase in new customers and 17 per cent growth among existing customers, said the company.

The overall occupancy rate of offices at Dafza rose by 23 per cent, it stated.

In addition, the number of new company registrations rose by 14 per cent, with multinational companies accounting for 27 per cent.

Chairman Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum said Dafza was committed to achieving its strategic objectives through the provision of integrated solutions for attracting regional and international investors and strengthening the state's economy.

"We are very proud of the extraordinary results that we achieve at Dafza. Our accomplishments embody the ambitions and values that we stand for. Year after year we grow strong and stand by our commitment to offering the best services a free zone can deliver," he remarked.

"Our focus on unparalleled service will enable us to achieve strategic objectives in the coming years. We shall continue to provide integrated solutions to attract regional and international investors and consequently contribute to a stronger national economy," he added.

Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, the director general, Dafza, said: "The huge progress made by Dafza in launching several key projects and initiatives has significantly added to our capabilities and the overall benefits of our strategic partners and resident companies."

"The positive results we have achieved in terms of sales revenues, new office leases, expansions to existing corporate space and additional multinational companies are the result of our ability to attain high levels of customer satisfaction," he noted.

According to him, Dafza has prepared a carefully-designed marketing plan that targets Europe, America, Japan, Korea and Australia.

The plan, he said, emphasises direct contact with decision makers through seminars, workshops, meetings, and participation in leading regional and international exhibitions.

"We pay special attention to the quality of the new companies that join us. We always welcome the international and multi-national companies that are seeking to gain a foothold in the Middle East through establishing a branch office or subsidiary in Dubai," stated Dr Al Zarooni.

"Dafza has succeeded in establishing itself as the first choice for those companies, due to its excellence in offering world-class services and outstanding solutions," he added.-TradeArabia News Service