Dubai To Set Up Global Center To Enhance Economic Impact
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), has approved a strategy to establish the Global Center for Research and Technology for Economic Zones.
Operating under DIEZ, the initiative aims to strengthen Dubai’s global leadership and contribution to economic zone development.
The Center aims to enhance the performance and global competitiveness of economic zones by developing knowledge, policies, and standards that help attract high-value foreign investment, increase the value generated by economic activities, and expand opportunities for trade and the exchange of knowledge and technology. These efforts are expected to strengthen the UAE’s economic competitiveness while fostering international cooperation and sustainable growth.
A key focus will be on promoting data-driven decision-making through research, evidence-based insights and innovative analysis. The Center will also work to harmonize classifications, establish common standards and develop advanced operating models to enhance consistency, improve operational efficiency and support the sustainable development of economic zones worldwide.
The Center’s output, when implemented in cooperation with relevant stakeholders, is expected to support more effective investment decisions, enhance the attractiveness of the business environment, and open new opportunities for partnerships and projects that generate added value. The economic impact will be monitored through indicators covering investment attracted, new projects, employment opportunities, trade growth, and the transfer of knowledge and technology.
Through the Center, DIEZ aims to establish a leading global knowledge and institutional reference point that strengthens the capacity of these zones to drive sustainable growth and deliver tangible, measurable economic impact. Its work will be guided by six core values: independence, credibility, integrity, excellence, innovation, and collaborative leadership.
The establishment of the Center reflects DIEZ’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Dubai’s role in shaping the future of economic zones, building on its extensive expertise in developing and managing integrated economic ecosystems. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and the ‘We the UAE 2031’ Vision, supporting efforts to enhance economic diversification, attract investment and reinforce the global competitiveness of both Dubai and the UAE.
Saeed Al Maktoum said that the Center will build on this expertise to extend its benefits internationally, providing an institutional platform for collaboration among governments, economic zones, international organizations, academic institutions and experts.
“It will facilitate knowledge exchange and support the development of policies, standards and operational practices to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of these zones and strengthen their ability to respond to global economic developments. These efforts will also contribute to the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to position the emirate among the world’s top three economic hubs,” the Chairman added.