
JAFZA, Haldiram's sign agreement to launch one of the region's largest Saffron processing facilities
The facility, set to start operations in March 2025, will be managed by Kesar Expert & Packers, a specialist in processing high-quality saffron with 22 years of experience in India. It will also secure globally recognised European BRCGS certification to guarantee the quality and purity of its saffron.
Initially the hub will process 30 metric tonnes of saffron, with plans to scale up to 100 metric tonnes over the next five years by leveraging the UAE-India CEPA and the world-class connectivity and infrastructure at Jebel Ali Port and Jafza.
The parties also discussed other avenues of future collaboration including the expansion of Haldiram's presence in Dubai and further investment in food processing and distribution facilities.
The agreement reinforces Dubai's role as a global trade hub, driven by Jafza's growing F&B sector, which is now home to more than 770 F&B companies.
About Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza)
Jafza is one of the world's leading free trade zones and is home to over 10,890 multinational companies. Jafza accounts for a significant FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) flow into Dubai, sustaining the employment of more than 135,000 people in the United Arab Emirates.
Strategically located at the crossroads of a region providing market access to over 3.5 billion people, Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone create an integrated multi-modal hub offering sea, air and land connectivity, complemented by extensive logistics facilities.
Jafza is the leading business hub between Asia, Europe and Africa, connecting some of the fastest-growing manufacturing and consumer markets globally. With over 30 years' experience, Jafza focuses on long-term customer relationships, building alliances with global investors and providing world-class infrastructure and support. In addition to quality-driven value-added services and incentives, Jafza is a business opportunity enabler, offering its customers easy and efficient access to substantial business opportunities in the region.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Zawya
7 minutes ago
- Zawya
Dubai launches innovative ‘One Freezone Passport' scheme
The Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC), has announced the successful implementation of the 'One Freezone Passport', a ground-breaking initiative that enables companies licensed in one free zone to expand into others without additional licences. It aims to unify Dubai's free zone ecosystem, reducing regulatory barriers and solidifying Dubai's position as a global business hub. The programme has been introduced to streamline business expansion and reduce regulatory barriers. This milestone underscores Dubai's commitment to fostering an agile and investor-friendly business environment, aligning with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, said DFZC. Building on this momentum, global luxury brand Louis Vuitton has become the first member of this pioneering initiative. It will now operate its warehouse in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) while setting up its corporate office at One Za'abeel, part of the DWTC Free Zone. This development highlights the programme's effectiveness in streamlining business expansion across Dubai's economic zones. The entire process was completed in just five days. Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Assistant Secretary General at Dubai Free Zones Council, dubbed the scheme as a transformative initiative that cements Dubai's position as a global economic powerhouse. "By enabling businesses to expand seamlessly across our world-class free zones, we are reinforcing Dubai's reputation as a premier investment destination. The swift and successful onboarding of Louis Vuitton through this program exemplifies the efficiency and attractiveness of Dubai's regulatory framework for international businesses," he added. -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2025 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Zawya
7 minutes ago
- Zawya
Shurooq announces key investment in Sharjah luxury eco-retreats
The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has invested more than AED300 million ($82 million) in developing the Sharjah Collection, a portfolio of seven luxury eco-retreats offering wellness, heritage and nature-based experiences across the emirate. Together, the retreats provide 154 high-end accommodation units in diverse landscapes, from coastal mangroves and desert dunes to mountain valleys and heritage villages, said Shurooq in a statement. The collection, operated by Shurooq, forms part of its AED850 million ($231 million) hospitality portfolio and reinforces the emirate's vision for sustainable development. It aims to deliver experiences that combine cultural authenticity, ecological balance and slow travel, while also generating employment and protecting the environment through sustainable architecture and low-carbon operations, it stated. The global wellness tourism sector is projected to exceed $1 trillion in 2025, according to the Global Wellness Institute, while slow travel is growing at about 10% annually. Sharjah recorded a 11% rise in guest numbers in 2024, with international occupancy continuing to surge in Q1 2025. Among the destinations is Al Faya Retreat in Mleiha's desert, repurposed from 1960s buildings into a boutique property of five rooms with desert views. Kalba's Kingfisher Retreat, developed with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, offers 40 luxury tents within a mangrove reserve. In Mleiha National Park, Moon Retreat provides domes and premium tents with activities such as stargazing and yoga. Al Badayer Retreat in Sharjah's red dunes includes 46 units designed in traditional caravanserai style. Najd Al Meqsar in Khorfakkan features seven restored heritage homes in Wadi Wishi, while Al Rayaheen Retreat offers 19 restored houses in the historic core of Khorfakkan. Launching in Q4 2025, Nomad will introduce 20 solar-powered trailers in Kalba's mountain valleys, designed to promote digital disconnection and nature immersion. Environmental protection measures have been adopted to safeguard Kalba's biodiversity. CEO Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer said these retreats serve as living bridges between the visitor and the place - preserving heritage while reintroducing local identity in a contemporary form. "Sharjah's natural diversity has provided fertile ground for projects that resonate with the spirit of each site. The Sharjah Collection is a strategic expression of this vision, with every retreat designed to echo its surroundings," he added.- TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2025 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


The National
7 minutes ago
- The National
UAE companies offer signing bonus, golden visas and wellness packages to attract and retain top talent
Companies in the UAE are becoming increasingly creative with their incentives to attract top talent in a competitive job market, recruiters say. Employers in the Emirates recognise a good paycheque is not always enough to retain talent, so they are adding incentives to make jobs more appealing, says Pedro Lacerda, country head of UAE at recruitment agency Tasc Group. S Ahmad, who works for a bank in the UAE, is currently entitled to zero per cent interest on mortgages, car loans and personal loans up to a certain limit, depending on the job grade. She also receives an education allowance, family medical insurance and an annual bonus from her employer. An education allowance is very important these days, she says. 'If I plan to move jobs, I'd ideally demand the equivalent value of my perks added to my monthly salary on top of a raise. The perks contribute to around 25 per cent of my total takeaway salary,' she adds. Hiring activity in the UAE has been rising – it increased by 4 per cent in the second quarter, driven by the introduction of a digital work permit system and high employer confidence, says a report by Cooper Fitch's Gulf Employment Index. But while the UAE's attractive lifestyle and tax-free salaries continue to draw skilled professionals from around the world, employee expectations are also rapidly changing. Up to 58 per cent of UAE employees said they are 'actively looking for a new job', according to Marsh-Mercer's 2025 Health on Demand report in May, which polled more than 18,000 employees across 17 markets, including the UAE. A separate report from recruitment consultancy Michael Page in May showed that despite economic uncertainty, 77 per cent of UAE professionals are 'actively exploring' new job opportunities, compared to 65 per cent in 2024. The most sought-after incentives among UAE employees are flexible work arrangements, professional growth and development, comprehensive insurance plans, financial wellness programmes and mental health support. Some employees also demand parking and gym memberships as incentives. Signing bonuses and relocation packages are becoming more common, especially for professionals with in-demand skill sets in fields such as tech, finance, engineering and artificial intelligence, says Nicki Wilson, owner and managing director of Genie Recruitment, a Dubai-based consultancy focused on the consumer industry. Companies are even offering rare 'golden handshakes' that include a cash signing bonus, she adds. However, employers are facing challenges when it comes to finding talent with the right skills to fill specialised roles, says Mr Lacerda. 'If we look at the UAE labour market currently, there's a strong demand for skilled professionals across many industries, which provides workers with numerous opportunities to secure good jobs and negotiate attractive benefits,' he says. 'Many companies are expanding and actively hiring to keep up with growth and new business areas, so employees have some leverage in choosing where they want to work.' Flexibility and wellness Companies are offering hybrid working arrangements and more flexibility, a key factor for many candidates when they think about joining a new company, Ms Wilson explains. Mr Lacerda says flexible work options could mean working from home on some days or even working remotely from another country during the summer, helping employees better balance their work and personal life. Progressive parental leave policies are also setting some employers apart, Ms Wilson says. Beyond the standard UAE allowance, companies are offering extended maternity leave, sometimes up to a year, or phased returns to work. Flexibility around parenting schedules and more support is also something that can entice candidates thinking about their future or their current family set-up, she says. Employee wellness has also become a core part of talent strategy. Employers are offering mental health support, gym memberships, wellness days, coaching and even subsidised or paid therapy. In some cases, companies encourage participation in wellness retreats or designated time off to prevent burnout, Ms Wilson says. 'To foster culture and team cohesion, some start-ups and scale-ups are offering fully funded team retreats and workcations. These group trips often blend strategy sessions with leisure, strengthening internal bonds and increasing retention,' she adds. Mr Lacerda points out that a strong push for inclusive and diverse workplaces that make people feel valued and respected keeps employees happier, more committed and 'adds up to more than just pay'. Ankitha Rajendran, a freelance marketing strategist in the UAE, says employers must offer genuine opportunities for growth and thoughtful perks like flexible hours, the ability to disconnect after work and wellness benefits that make a real difference. 'A pizza party once a month means nothing if you don't genuinely offer a better place for people to have mental peace and perform at their best,' she says. ' Work-life balance cannot be a buzzword any more. That is what matters to many of us.' Watch: UAE Salary Guide: Why expat packages are not what they used to be Golden visas, schooling, career growth The UAE's long-term residency schemes are also a major draw, Ms Wilson says. Companies are increasingly supporting or fully sponsoring golden visa applications for eligible professionals. The appeal of family sponsorship and freedom from local partnership requirements is substantial, she explains. Schooling and educational benefits are another major incentive, particularly for families relocating to the UAE. Other incentives are funding professional development through executive courses, certifications or online learning platforms. Mr Lacerda says career growth opportunities have become a key sweetener, as companies invest heavily in training and mentorship, enabling employees to develop new skills and grow in the company. Advancement and growth are strong motivators for employee retention, he adds. Public sector entities and companies that aim to attract Emiratis often include tailored career development programmes as key benefits, alongside support for cultural and religious needs, such as flexible leave during Ramadan, Mr Lacerda points out. Ms Wilson says: 'We saw more bonuses being offered for roles outside of sales, too. I think this is the best option as it unites teams to achieve certain goals set for the company.' Some businesses also provide long-term incentives, Mr Lacerda says, such as stock options or profit-sharing plans, rewarding employees who stay and contribute to the company's success over time, thereby promoting loyalty. Pankaj Suresh, growth and marketing lead at Alaan, an AI-powered expense management platform in the UAE, values equity (or employee stock ownership plan) in the company so that he can grow with the firm and 'feel like an owner rather than just a cog in the wheel'. 'I left a stable job at the Boston Consulting Group to join an early-stage start-up that did not pay an extravagant salary [compared to what a consulting firm would pay]. However, the company offered great equity to everyone,' he says. 'The best part? The company has grown significantly since I first joined, and my ESOP value has grown almost five times.'