Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), DP World’s flagship free zone and the largest customs bonded zone in the Middle East, has entered into a partnership with Eaton, a global leader in intelligent power management. This collaboration aims to establish a new sustainable campus in Jafza, consolidating Eaton’s Dubai-based commercial, manufacturing, and support functions, and providing room for future expansion.
According to an official release from Jafza, the project will significantly enhance Dubai’s capabilities in advanced manufacturing of electrical and electronic components. These components are crucial for ensuring safe and efficient power supply across various industries, including data centers, buildings, and solar energy.
The construction of the facility, which will span over 500,000 square feet, is slated to commence in 2025 and be completed by 2026. In addition to manufacturing, the campus will feature a new research and development (R&D) center focused on sustainable manufacturing, power management, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related fields. The project is expected to create around 700 jobs, encompassing high-skilled engineering roles and advanced manufacturing positions.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership with Eaton, emphasising its alignment with Dubai’s D33 strategy. He stated that the initiative will enhance Dubai’s reputation as a global leader in high-tech and automated manufacturing. Once operational, the plant is anticipated to have a substantial economic impact on the UAE, contribute to the transition to sustainable energy, and offer valuable opportunities for young Emiratis.
Craig Arnold, Chairman and CEO of Eaton, expressed that the partnership with DP World and Jafza underscores Eaton’s commitment to regional growth and supports Dubai’s D33 strategy to position the city as a leader in high-tech manufacturing and innovation. Arnold highlighted the project’s role in promoting green and sustainable manufacturing through smart factory initiatives and the expansion of R&D capabilities, which will foster the development of Emirati talent and support a sustainable energy transition for their customers and partners.
