Innovation
18.08.26 10:56

Highlighting Dubai’s appeal for global businesses and investors, DIEZ posts exceptional growth in H1 2026

Government of Dubai Media Office, 18 August 2026: The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) maintained strong growth momentum during the first half of 2026, driven by sustained demand for the infrastructure and facilities across its economic zones, continued growth in the number of companies and workforce, and increasing startup investment activity.

This performance underscores the strength of DIEZ’s business environment and its ability to support business expansion, attract investment, and respond to the evolving needs of companies and investors. It also reinforces Dubai’s position as a global destination for business, investment, and innovation, in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.

DIEZ’s three economic zones, Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), and Dubai CommerCity, recorded an occupancy rate of 96% during H1 2026, reflecting sustained demand for their facilities, infrastructure, and services.

The number of companies operating within DIEZ’s economic zones increased by 13% compared to H1 2025, while their workforce grew by 24%, demonstrating continued business expansion across the Authority’s economic zones.

Driving Dubai’s competitiveness
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DIEZ, said the results achieved during the first half of 2026 reflect the resilience of DIEZ’s economic model and its ability to sustain growth amid rapid global economic transformations. He added that the results reinforce the continued confidence of companies and investors in Dubai’s competitive business environment, which supports expansion and creates new opportunities.

His Highness added that the increase in the number of companies and employees within DIEZ’s economic zones reflects Dubai’s ability to support business growth, create new opportunities, and attract high-value investment, further strengthening the emirate’s competitiveness and appeal to global companies and investors.

He continued that, guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, DIEZ will continue developing an integrated economic ecosystem that strengthens Dubai’s global competitiveness, attracts investment, and supports the growth of strategic sectors. These efforts contribute to achieving the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and strengthening Dubai’s position among the world’s top three urban economies.

Dynamic business environment
His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, said DIEZ’s performance during the first half of the year demonstrates the success of its integrated economic ecosystem in supporting companies at every stage of growth, from establishment and expansion to investment and innovation.

He added that the 96% occupancy rate, together with the growth in companies and employees, reflects strong demand for DIEZ’s economic zones and confidence in the advanced and flexible business environment they provide.

He said that DIEZ will continue enhancing its ecosystem by developing services and institutional enablers, accelerating digital transformation, and deploying artificial intelligence technologies to improve operational efficiency and customer experience, further strengthening its ability to attract high-value companies and investment in future-focused sectors.

English: https://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2026/august/17-08/highlighting-dubais-appeal-for-global-businesses-and-investors