Economic Zones World (EZW), the Dubai World-owned developer of economic zones and industrial parks, is eyeing opportunities for the development of a logistics hub at the port of Basra in Iraq.
The hub is part of EZW's plans to expand its global presence despite the financial downturn and will be modeled on its Jebel Ali Freezone (JAFZA) project.
It will also be an opportunity for EZW to get closer to its customers as well as bring global businesses closer to their customers in the region, according to Talal al Hashimi, the managing director of EZW.
About five cargo and passenger vessels currently travel between Dubai and Basra.
"Because we have already established this connection, it makes sense to develop a logistics park near the port in Basra," said Mr al Hashimi.
"It's about being closer to our consumers."
EZW also plans to move ahead with projects in the US, China and India over the coming year.
It has also stepped up its sales strategy to attract more companies from Europe, the US and Asia to JAFZA.
About 1,600 companies are currently based in the industrial zone, while 1,000 are on a waiting list.
Between 60 and 70 per cent of the zone will be occupied by the end of this year.
"We're still working at the same strength as we were before the crisis," said Ibrahim Al Janahi, chief commercial officer at EZW.
"We might change our direction and where we target, such as which country and industry, but we're still growing at the same speed. There are opportunities for us in other countries and this is what we're targeting now."
agiuffrida@thenational.ae
Company%20profile
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The%20Specs
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Need to know
Unlike other mobile wallets and payment apps, a unique feature of eWallet is that there is no need to have a bank account, credit or debit card to do digital payments.
Customers only need a valid Emirates ID and a working UAE mobile number to register for eWallet account.
THE SPECS
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Transmission: six-speed manual
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Speed: 0-100km/h 3.9 seconds
Price: Dh230,000
On sale: now
PROFILE OF INVYGO
Started: 2018
Founders: Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo
Based: Dubai
Sector: Transport
Size: 9 employees
Investment: $1,275,000
Investors: Class 5 Global, Equitrust, Gulf Islamic Investments, Kairos K50 and William Zeqiri
EMIRATES'S%20REVISED%20A350%20DEPLOYMENT%20SCHEDULE
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TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
SPECS
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Confirmed%20bouts%20(more%20to%20be%20added)
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COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
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