Dubai:H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), has sanctioned a strategy to create the Global Centre for Research and Technology for Economic Zones under DIEZ. This initiative is designed to bolster Dubai's global leadership in the economic zones sector.
According to Wam, the new Centre will focus on developing knowledge, policies, and standards to attract high-value foreign investment and enhance economic activities' value. Its efforts are expected to expand trade opportunities and support the UAE's competitive standing globally, promoting sustainable growth and cooperation.
The Centre aims to support informed decision-making through data and research, harmonize classifications, and develop advanced operating models to improve global economic zones' performance. This aligns with DIEZ's mission to advance Dubai's role in shaping economic zones' futures, contributing to the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and the 'We the UAE 2031' Vision.
The Centre's outputs, developed in partnership with relevant stakeholders, are anticipated to boost investment decisions, enhance business environment attractiveness, and open new partnership opportunities. Indicators such as investment attraction, employment opportunities, and trade growth will monitor its economic impact.
DIEZ plans to establish the Centre as a global knowledge and institutional reference to drive sustainable growth and measurable economic impact. It will operate on core values like independence, credibility, and innovation, with a phased roadmap to build research capabilities, databases, and partnerships with global institutions.
The Centre will address the evolving role of economic zones, which now focus on innovation and development, attracting investment, and integrating into global value chains. It will provide research, data capabilities, and support institutional policy development to enhance zones' flexibility and competitiveness.
By forming strategic partnerships with international bodies, the Centre will share Dubai's expertise globally. An institutional governance model will guide its operations, distinguishing between non-profit activities and a commercial arm for consultancy services, ensuring financial sustainability and operational flexibility.