DMCC surpasses milestone of 5,000 members companies at the JLT Free Zone

Dubai is perfectly positioned as bridgehead for commodities trade and for those expanding into new markets at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe.

Paired with DMCC's multi-commodity and multi-origin products and services available for its member companies, the result is a thriving business and commodities hub for start-ups through to multi-nationals determined to innovate and expand whilst contributing to the local economy.

Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC, commented, "DMCC has seen phenomenal growth in the 10 years since it was established as a strategic initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. We are delighted that we now enable over 5,000 companies to do business from the JLT Free Zone, either here locally or into regional and international markets. DMCC's focus on providing a physical and market infrastructure, products and services has helped the JLT Free Zone grow and mature into a dynamic and safe place to do business and DMCC to become a global benchmark amongst commodities centres. Our 5,000 member companies are a testament to His Highness' strategic vision and, in our view, only a point on a much bigger journey."

Between January and August 2012, DMCC registered 1,315 companies, a 60% rise over the same period in 2011 and a 35% increase as of 1 January 2012. JLT is now registering an average of 160 companies a month, of which 85% are new to Dubai.

The relevance of Dubai's strategic location between producing and consuming nations is further underlined by the diverse nationalities of DMCC's member companies: 23% of members are from Europe, 17% from MENA, 21% from India and South Asia and the remainder from the rest of the world. Companies who have established themselves in the JLT Free Zone this year include Dunkin' Group, GAC, Guerlain (LVMH Group) and Vertu. Guardian Glass, one of the world's largest glass manufacturers, joined the Free Zone as the 5000th company.

Malcolm Wall Morris, Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, commented, "In recent years we have witnessed a generational shift of business, people and finance, from West to East and North to South. As a result, companies are looking to broaden their reach, be they Western firms looking to expand into Asia and other emerging markets, or companies from growing economies looking to access customers in established markets. With our ability to accommodate every aspect of the value chain and allow companies to effectively operate from a transparent, secure and sophisticated business hub, DMCC is ideally situated and equipped to serve this trend."

DMCC remains equally committed on delivering a successful free zone to its 50,000 workers and residents. The 200-hectare community serves the needs of both businesses and residents by offering 61 mixed-use towers, over 150 retail outlets and six children's playgrounds.