Dubai launches One Freezone Passport with Louis Vuitton as first adopter: All about it

Dubai has officially introduced the One Freezone Passport, a unified licensing initiative that allows companies to operate easily across the emirate’s several free zones with a single licence. Global luxury brand Louis Vuitton became the first brand to take advantage of this innovative idea.The Passport, created by the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC), eliminates the need for individual permissions for every free zone, which was previously cumbersome.

According to the official press release, Louis Vuitton was welcomed by the Dubai

World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA), which runs the Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone (DWTC Free Zone), to take advantage of this innovative initiative.
The luxury brand will now continue to operate its warehousing operations in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) while setting up its corporate office at One Za’abeel, located within the DWTC Free Zone.It also presents a compelling new idea: A single regulatory entry point into more than 30 free zones located around the city, each with specific advantages in industries ranging from media and technology to logistics and high-end retail, the Times of India reported.

Companies licensed in one free zone can now expand to facilities in other zones without requiring extra licences, thanks to this new approach. The initiative is a significant step in Dubai’s long-term plan to rank among the world’s most flexible and investor-friendly economies.

The goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 call for the launch of innovative initiatives that will double GDP by 2033 and promote sustainable economic growth by creative methods, making Dubai the world’s fastest, safest, and most connected city.

“The One Freezone Passport is a revolutionary initiative that cements Dubai’s position as a global economic powerhouse,” Dr Juma Al-Matrooshi, Assistant Secretary General at DFZC, said.

“The initial onboarding of Louis Vuitton illustrates the efficiency and attractiveness of Dubai’s regulatory framework,” Dr Al-Matrooshi added.

Abdalla Al-Banna, DWTC’s Vice-President of Free Zone Regulatory Operations, echoed the notion by emphasising how the Passport strengthens Dubai’s appeal to foreign businesses.

There are over 40 free zones in Dubai, each serving a distinct industry like trade, education, media, and more. The passport is a testament to Dubai’s dedication to its Economic Agenda D33, and the accomplishment of Louis Vuitton’s expansion strengthens the DWTC Free Zone’s position as a driving factor behind innovation and corporate expansion in Dubai.