JESSICA from DUBAI, Oct. 20th, 2007

The UAE is a federation of seven states, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimha, Sharjah and Umm al Qaiwain, which were formed in 1971 after independence from Britain.

DUBAI – BUSINESS HUB

Dubai has emerged as a world business hub. A strong tradition in trade and commerce has been one of the main factors contributing to the success of Dubai’s growth, both regionally and internationally.

The Dubai ports authority, DP World, has grown to become the third largest container terminal operator in the world. Its flagship operations in Dubai are Port Rashid and Jebel Ali Port. The latter, located in the Jebel Ali Free Zone – the largest warehousing park in the Middle East – is expanding container capacity by 30% over the next 3 years.

Another key element in the emirate’s transport strategy is Dubai Cargo Village, established in 1991 to handle all cargo operations at Dubai International Airport. Its state-of-the-art and combined sea – air facilities allow it to handle 20 freighters a day and turn around a fully laden 747 jet in 90 minutes. That amounts to 350,000 tons a year or 950 tons daily.

An expected rise in airfreight will be dealt with in the new business park, Dubai Logistics City, at Dubai’s new airport in Jebel Ali.

THIS LADY IS JESSICA