Dubai World Central: New Global Gateway For Indian SMEs

India has a new attraction in Dubai as the gateway to global business world in Dubai World Central, (DWC). Fully owned by Govt. of Dubai, DWC is set to be the world’s first purpose-built aerotropolis around the newly built Al Maktoum International Airport. The state-of-the-art DWC Business Park will cater to new companies setting up business in the UAE, particularly those coming from the growing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector in India and around. To attract and invite Indian businesses to this emerging business destination, DWC high level delegation from Dubai is on a maiden tour to  India is visiting New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai, which will be led by Mr. Paolo Serra, VP, Business Park, Dubai World Central.

Dubai World Central is a planned residential, commercial and logistics complex scheme. It is set to be world's first truly integrated and self-sustained economic zone and logistics platform supporting wide range of transport modes, logistics and value-added services, including manufacturing and assembly, in a single Free Economic Zone. DWC is based around Al Maktoum International Airport in Jebel Ali,about 30 minute from Dubai. DWC will also host the World Expo 2020.

Mr. Paolo Serra, VP of Business Park, Dubai World Central said, “Indian people and businesses have enjoyed a long standing relationship with Dubai, so much so that over 50% of the population of Dubai is of expatriate Indian community. India has emerged as the top trading partner of Dubai in 2013 with a trade volume of $37 billion, representing a 10 per cent share of the total foreign trade of the emirate. DWC’s Business Park boasts of swift business facilitation, where companies can set up offices within 10 days, which is a great advantage for businesses in India who want to quickly set up their businesses at the gateway of global business environment. As the Free economic zone DWC offers 100% foreign ownership and zero tax policy along with variety of business licenses.”

Talking about the advantages of setting up offices at the DWC Business Park Mr. Serra said, “The Business Park is an integral part of Dubai World Central and has witnessed an increased demand in office space in 2014. With premium infrastructure and flexibility to grow and expand in future, we are confident that the Business Park will continue to attract an increasing number of companies from India looking to establish their presence in the Middle East.”

Apart from the various financial and administrative advantages of a Free Economic Zone and business hub DWC also provides a strategic logistical advantage due to its physical proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali port among others. DWC is set to emerge as the new strategic business hub of Dubai in 2020 for its advantage of central location within the emirate, which is only 30 minutes from central Dubai, 15 minutes from New Dubai and Marina, and 45 minutes to Abu Dhabi’s new growth corridor – Yas Island and Abu Dhabi International Airport. With the rapidly expanding Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port, the aerotropolis is expected to account for 60 per cent of Dubai’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2023.

The Al Maktoum International Airport is planned as the world's largest passenger and cargo hub spanning over 220 square kilometres (85 sq. miles), and upon completion will be ten times larger than Dubai International Airport. Upon completion the airport will have an annual cargo capacity of 12 million tonnes  and a passenger capacity of up to 160 million people per year making it among the most busiest airports in the world.
The well-appointed buildings in the Business Park are under single ownership of the Dubai Aviation City Corporation. More than 20,000 square meters of office space has been leased in 2014 to date, with additional space being fitted out at present to cater to SME segment. Over 1,000 companies are already registered with DWC Business Park, including Nestle, CEVA Logistics, Helukabel, and Sinopec Petroleum etc.