• Home to 8,000 companies and investors from 145 countries, free zone successfully develops brand that stands out from crowded market
• AFZ contributes major share in Ajman’s total exports and re-exports with 44 per cent and 51 per cent respectively
• 24 hours of global business set-up enabled via digital portal

June 3, 2020: Ajman Free Zone, which is widely recognized as one of the UAE's leading free zones and highly reputed for its support for international businesses and move to enhance the performance of local companies and their business transactions, has been conferred 'Superbrands' status by Superbrands Worldwide, the world's largest independent arbiter of branding. The coveted title was given in honor of Ajman Free Zone’s leading role in facilitating business procedures, as well as in recognition of its excellent and comprehensive e-Services.

A distinguished panel of judges, composed mainly of members of the Superbrands Council and marketing experts from the UAE business community, oversaw the screening of this year's list of nominees. The panel later commenced in the casting of ballots during a rigorous offline and online voting process according to specific and accurate criteria. The online voting system was made available to the country’s senior managers and marketing professionals to expand the award’s voting base.   

Eng. Ali Abdulla Bin Towaih Al Suwaidi, Director General of Ajman Free Zone, said that the Superbrands award reflects the free zone’s commitment to further strengthening its leadership in driving the economic growth and comprehensive development of Ajman. He stressed that Ajman Free Zone’s intensified efforts will continue to provide innovative solutions and attract more global investors to promising opportunities in Ajman, the UAE, and regional markets in general.

Al Suwaidi added: “In line with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman, Ajman Free Zone, we are moving forward with our efforts to develop innovative products and high-profile services, in addition to launching leading initiatives that will make a positive impact and real difference in the local business community. Having a strong brand is an advanced step towards achieving our ambitious aspirations, while our active strategic partnerships will continue to serve as the cornerstone of the services we offer to companies from various vital sectors. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to further instill innovation and creativity in our culture to reach new levels of excellence and leadership in the near future.”

“It is a great privilege for our efforts to be recognized by Superbrands, particularly our internationally accepted management practices, customer service, marketing and innovation-related initiatives, and service and infrastructure development and modernization. On behalf of our organization, we would like to thank the judges for their confidence in our brand. We would also like to say congratulations to our fellow winners, and to all our staff members, we dedicate this award to you,” Sheikha Abdulla Al Nuaimi, Executive Director of Marketing & Sales, added.  

The Superbrands title highlights Ajman Free Zone’s outstanding performance and distinguished services. To date, the free zone hosts more than 8,000 companies and investors from 145 countries. A recent report from the Ajman Chamber of Commerce showed that during the first quarter of 2020 (Q1 2020), companies in the Ajman Free Zone contributed 44 per cent to Ajman’s total exports and 51 per cent to re-exports. The positive performance has been attributed to the seamless and fast business procedures that Ajman Free Zone provides, enabling investors to set up a company from anywhere in the world in less than eight hours using only its state-of-the-art digital portal. Having been awarded 'Superbrands' status is the latest achievement in the Ajman Free Zone's collection of prestigious accolades awarded in appreciation of its vital role in encouraging investments and fostering the national economy for more than 30 years.     

Mike English, Director of Superbrands Middle East, commented, “Differentiating one’s proposition from a growing number of competitors through effective branding has become vital. Geographical and information boundaries are being reduced so customer choice is increasing while making comparisons against alternatives faster and easier. Product and service specifications are increasingly similar and innovation times reduced so that the only key differentiator in the longer-term in most cases is brand personality and positioning.”

He added: “Developing a brand is the key success factor. Ajman Free Zone has developed their brand to stand out from a crowded market and Superbrands recognizes this achievement with Superbrands UAE 2020 status. The Superbrands members are the branding elite, we salute them and look forward to helping them grow stronger.”