Driven by strong growth projections in the global automotive industry that is set to exceed 23.2 million units in commercial vehicle sales by 2010 and a buoyant regional automobile market, Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ) has attracted seven international automobile brands to set up shop in recent months. “Dubai is a natural choice for automotive manufacturers targeting the high end segment in particular because of its ability to target the affluent economies of the region and be a trend setter for the Middle East,” said Mohammed Ali bin Suwailem, sales director, DAFZ. DAFZ is now the office location for prestigious brands such as Ferrari Middle East and Africa, Maserati Middle East, Porsche Middle East FZE, Spyker Automobielen, Audi Volkswagen Middle East FZE, Isuzu Motors Limited and MAN Middle East FZCO. Established in 1996, the Dubai Airport Free Zone is home to nearly 1,425 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 percent tax exemption, 100 percent ownership rights, and easy access to airport facilities, rapid cargo clearance and availability of competitively priced multinational talent in a cosmopolitan city. __
