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Decree

UAE Free Zone Law (DIFC / ADGM / JAFZA)Decree No. (1) of 1985 Establishing the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority

Dubai Law·1 of 1985

Issued Date
January 9, 1985
Effective from
January 9, 1985
Articles
6
Last synced
Jul 27, 2026
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Plain-language summary

Establishes the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority as a legal entity to supervise the free zone, issue regulations, license companies, and manage operations under a…

Synced from the official UAE Legislation portal · Plain-language summary by the LEXAI editorial team

Article-level text

Key Articles

6 articles

  1. 1

    Article 1

    Article (1) Title of the Decree This Decree will be cited as “Decree No. (1) of 1985 Establishing the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority”.

  2. 2

    Title of the Decree: the Decree

    Article 2

    Article (2) Definitions The following words and expressions will have the meaning indicated opposite each of them unless the context implies otherwise: Ruler: His Highness the Ruler of Dubai. Government: The Government of Dubai. ©2017 The Supreme Legislation Committee in the Emirate of Dubai 1Every effort has been made to produce an accurate and complete English version of this legislation. However, for the purpose of its interpretation and application, reference must be made to the original Arabic text. In case of conflict the Arabic text will prevail.

    -- 1 of 3 --

    Decree No. (1) of 1985 Establishing the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority Page 2 of 3 JAFZA: The Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority. Port Authority: The Jebel Ali Port Authority.

  3. 3

    Article 3

    Article (3) Establishment of JAFZA Pursuant to this Decree, a legal entity named the “Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority” is hereby established. JAFZA will be affiliated to the Government and headquartered in the Jebel Ali Port.

  4. 4

    Article 4

    Article (4) Duties of JAFZA JAFZA will be responsible for supervising the Free Zone including to: 1. issue the regulations required for managing the Free Zone; 2. issue licences to companies wishing to operate in the Free Zone; and 3. provide companies, upon their request, with administrative staff, technicians, artisans, and other workers, as warranted by the nature of the business at the Free Zone and in accordance with the conditions agreed upon between JAFZA and the requesting companies.

  5. 5

    Article 5

    Article (5) Management of JAFZA a. JAFZA will be managed by a board of directors comprised of not less than three (3) members and not more than five (5) members. b. Members of the board of directors will be appointed, and their positions and tenures determined, pursuant to an order issued by the Ruler. c. The board of directors will draft its terms of reference and will implement them upon approval of the same by the Ruler.

    -- 2 of 3 --

    Decree No. (1) of 1985 Establishing the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority Page 3 of 3

  6. 6

    Article 6

    Article (6) This Decree comes into force on the day on which it is issued, and will be published in the Official Gazette. Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Dubai Issued in Dubai on 9 January 1985 Corresponding to 17 Rabi al-Thani 1405 A.H.

    -- 3 of 3 --

Note: This legislation is sourced from the Dubai Legislation Portal (dlp.dubai.gov.ae). The original Arabic text is the authoritative version.

Articles in this law(6)
  1. 1Article (1) Title of the Decree This Decree will be cited as “Decree No. (1) of
  2. 2Article (2) Definitions The following words and expressions will have the meanin
  3. 3Article (3) Establishment of JAFZA Pursuant to this Decree, a legal entity named
  4. 4Article (4) Duties of JAFZA JAFZA will be responsible for supervising the Free Z
  5. 5Article (5) Management of JAFZA a. JAFZA will be managed by a board of directors
  6. 6Article (6) This Decree comes into force on the day on which it is issued, and w
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