SHARJAH: Sharjah’s free zones celebrated remarkable achievements in 2024, cementing their status as global business hubs. The Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) and the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone Authority (SAIF Zone) collectively welcomed over 1,600 companies from regions including the US, Africa, India, and Europe.
HFZA attracted 900 businesses, with a strong focus on the iron and steel manufacturing sectors in the Middle East and Africa. SAIF Zone brought in over 700 companies and solidified its position as a key destination for gold and jewellery investments. Its Gold, Diamond, and Commodities Park, the GCC’s largest gold refinery hub, now houses 55 refineries and over 250 companies specialising in precious metals.
Both zones earned international acclaim, with HFZA winning the Global Free Zones of the Year Award 2024 by fDi Intelligence for the second year. Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of HFZA and SAIF Zone, credited these successes to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, and the emirate’s economic diversification efforts.
Sharjah’s 2025 general budget highlights this growth, allocating 41% to infrastructure and 27% to economic development. These zones have hosted over 15,000 companies from 160 countries, driving foreign direct investment and industrial expansion.
In 2024, both free zones adopted smart technologies, introducing 600 services to streamline operations and enhance investor experiences. They also partnered with Bee’ah Group to champion sustainability through eco-friendly services, energy-efficient practices, and resource preservation.
These achievements underscore Sharjah’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global economic integration, setting the stage for continued growth in 2025.