Dubai is once again cementing its position as a global leader in economic innovation. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), has officially approved a strategic plan to establish the **Global Centre for Research and Technology for Economic Zones**.
Operating under the DIEZ umbrella, this ambitious initiative is designed to strengthen Dubai’s contribution to the development of economic zones worldwide. By focusing on knowledge, policy, and technology transfer, the Centre aims to increase the value added by economic activities and attract high-value foreign direct investment (FDI).
### A Vision for Sustainable Global Growth
The establishment of this Centre is a strategic move aligned with the **Dubai Economic Agenda (D33)** and the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. According to the team at **Business Promotion24**, such initiatives are vital for maintaining the UAE’s competitive edge in an increasingly digital and data-driven global economy.
The Centre will focus on:
* **Data-Driven Decisions:** Supporting policymakers with innovative analysis and research.
* **Standardization:** Developing common classifications and advanced operating models for economic zones.
* **Knowledge Transfer:** Facilitating the exchange of expertise between governments, international organizations, and academic institutions.
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum highlighted that the Centre builds on the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to turn knowledge into opportunities. “Dubai has developed an advanced ecosystem… The Centre will build on this expertise to extend its benefits internationally,” Sheikh Ahmed stated.
### Bridging Research and Practical Application
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, emphasized that the Centre will act as an institutional framework to translate Dubai’s vast experience into global solutions. With more than 8,000 special economic zones (SEZs) operating globally according to UNCTAD data, the need for a specialized reference point has never been greater.
The Centre will operate across six key areas, including specialized research, policy briefs, and the development of regulatory sandboxes to test new economic models. This ensures that economic zones remain flexible and responsive to rapid global changes.
### Governance and Global Impact
To ensure excellence, the Centre will be guided by an institutional governance model featuring a Board of Directors and a Global Advisory Committee consisting of 15 to 25 international experts. Its operating model will uniquely balance non-profit institutional activities with specialized commercial consultancy services, ensuring both financial sustainability and global reach.
At **Business Promotion24**, we recognize that this Centre will serve as a global platform, equipping investors and governments with the tools needed to make effective strategic decisions. By fostering collaborative leadership and innovation, Dubai is not just participating in the future of trade—it is actively shaping it.
As the Global Centre for Research and Technology for Economic Zones begins its phased roadmap, it stands as a testament to Dubai’s commitment to excellence, integrity, and sustainable economic impact on a global scale.
