By initiating development projects and community initiatives, the DP World flagships have showcased their concern for economic and community development
DP World has always been at the forefront of helping develop a smarter world to build a brighter future for everyone. The entity’s sustainability strategy, titled “Our World, Our Future,” directs this approach and assists it in working responsibly in order to prioritise sustainability, and regulate its effect on people, communities, and the environment in which it operates.
DP World’s sustainable strategy is divided into two parts, both of which are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. ‘Our World’ highlights the entity’s efforts to operate as a responsible organisation in seven key areas: safety, security, well-being, ethics, community engagement, climate change, and people development. ‘Our Future,’ on the other hand, considers the entity’s long-term impact on the industry and society, focusing on three areas: women, education, and oceans, where it can create a positive impact for future generations to take forward.
Sustainable development in Jafza
DP World, and its flagship Jafza have firmly cemented their positions as incubators for sustainable initiatives. Despite the unstable market, Jafza has showcased resilience and determination to recover from the effects of the crisis by completing major construction projects worth AED 2.48 billion that have been in the works since 2016, many of which were built to aid the sustainable development of their partners in the free zone.
Over the years, DP World and its subsidiaries have contributed to sustainable development of the UAE. The entity contributes to over a third of the GDP accounting for 33.4 percent. Additionally, Jafza has established itself as not only one of the largest free zones globally, but it is also one of the leading sources of FDI inflow into Dubai, accounting for 23.9 percent of total foreign investment in the emirates. The free zone spreads over an area of 57 square kilometres, currently hosting over 8,700 registered companies and sustaining the employment of more than 135,000 people in the UAE.
Apart from consistently initiating new development projects in the free zone, Jafza is also high on efficiency adhering to DP World ’s values of eco-conscious operations. This was considered in many of the construction projects, the work done at the Jafza One Complex, valued at Dh1.2 billion; and the development of 13 buildings for 35,000 inhabitants, each with a G+10-storey structure; as well as a food court; both worth Dh689 million, stood out as the most significant developments. Moreover, installation of a new set of Light Industrial Units (LIUs) and warehouses worth Dh130 million; and construction of new bridges, road upgrades, and Jafza North stormwater improvement worth Dh280 million, were also done as part of the development project.
Furthermore, Jafza became one of the first free zones in the region to invest Dh80 million in the installation of energy-efficient LED lighting. Its main retrofit initiatives for existing facilities, which cost Dh105 million, reduced energy consumption by 30 percent. DP World and Jafza also built one of the region’s largest rooftop solar power projects, providing approximately 45 Giga Watt Hours (GWHr) per year.
Safeguarding the interests of seafarers
DP World has always supported the welfare of society, right from its own workforce to the global seafarer community. This year, on the occasion of Day of the Seafarer, DP World reaffirmed its support for the seafarer community through the Jebel Ali International Seafarers Centre. The Jebel Ali International Seafarers Centre has been a breakout zone for crew members of vessels calling at the Jebel Ali Port and the crew of vessels. Since the relaunch of the Jebel Ali Seafarers Centre in 2016, the entity has supported over 20,000 seafarers through various initiatives.
As part of its sustainability initiatives, DP World carried out several activities including medical screening (vital signs, ophthalmology, dental, etc.) and distribution of food packs/meals and give-aways packs to support the seafarers. The smart trade enabler will also host awareness sessions on ocean protection topics.
The centre is in close proximity to the Jebel Ali Port that is an essential trade link, connecting markets in North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, has ensured a high footfall since its inception. As a vital contributor to the UAE’s economy, the port has over 80 weekly shipping services and a network of 150 ports worldwide.
The centre features a restaurant and a duty-free shop, a library, free Wifi, email facilities, indoor and outdoor games. Moreover, free transport to and from vessels to the centre is provided to all vessel crew and captains. On special occasions, every year celebratory events are held. To tend to the physical and mental upkeep of the crew, medical checkups and counselling services are also provided