The World FZO was officially launched in Dubai, UAE, on May 19, 2014.

The growth of the free zones in recent decades now requires a global organization to take stock of this important economic phenomenon and to lead on the progress of free zone expansion and development. The World FZO is the first organization that will bring together these diverse free zones to promote the exchange of views, best practice, experience and knowledge and ensures the sustainability and ongoing success of the free zone model

The World FZO seeks to:

• Provide one, authoritative, collective voice to represent the interests of free zones around the world
• Create best in class standards for free zones to enhance the economic ecosystem both globally and locally
• Enhance the perception of free zones as enabling sustainable businesses and contributing to the local and global economy
• Facilitate the continued growth and expansion of free zones internationally
• Bring in-depth experience to positively influence members and free zones around the world
• Provide a forum for free zones around the world to learn, grow and prosper through unrivalled access to exclusive in-depth research, insights and knowledge
• Facilitate networking and the exchange of experience, knowledge and best practices through research, data and networking events
• Be the official advocate of free zones before governments and international organizations

World FZO members are representatives of local, regional and international established free zones, as well as individuals and entities working in the free zone environment, or in support of free zones internationally

• Membership is open to free zones in any country that are members of the United Nations
• Membership will be extended to both individuals and entities (public or private) that prove interest in the promotion and development of free zones
• Members can be grouped into three different categories:
• Free zones and Free zone associations
• Individuals and entities working in free zone environment: lawyers, consultants, government agencies, chambers of commerce, private corporations, academics, etc
• International multilateral organizations such as UN Agencies, the World Customs Organization, and World Trade Organization

As a not-for-profit organization, all income generated will be used to cover its costs and in the development of services provided to members.

Several levels of membership are available including:

• Voting members: open to governmentally-recognized free zones and free zone associations who have full voting rights within the General Assembly, enabling them to contribute to decisions around Board member appointments. Voting members will also gain access to the World FZO’s full range of membership services, including industry research, operational and administrative support services, high-level training, networking services and events
• Associate members: open to individual or corporate users of free zones and consultants and advisors working with and within free zones. Paid membership will give access to a full range of membership services
• Partners and observers: open to non-government organizations involved in the area of international trade, as well as government and quasi government authorities in trade or customs. Partners and Observers will be individually invited to participate in the activities of the Association by the Board of Directors and will not be subject to the payment of membership fees. Partners and Observers will only have limited access to Member Services and will have no voting rights

Potential members can apply through the World FZO website by clicking here

As of May 2018, the World FZO had 437 members.

As a legal entity, World FZO has an independent structure with a full management team, Board of Directors, Chairman and General Assembly. The World FZO CEO reports to the Board of Directors which in turn reports to the Chairman. The body with the highest authority within the association is the General Assembly of voting members, which has the power to appoint and approve board members.

The 14 World FZO founding members met in Dubai 2014 and elected the Board of Directors for the initial term.

• Dr. Mohammed Alzarooni, Chairman
• Martin Ibarra, Legal expert and Vice Chairman
• Mr. P.C. Nambiar, Secretary
• Ms. Rose Hynes, Treasurer

The UAE boasts a number of highly successful free zones contributing to the economic prosperity of the GCC; this is one of the reasons why the World FZO has selected Dubai as its headquarters. Dubai has been a shining example of the dynamic role free zones play in economic development. Its diversity and vibrancy as a business hub has put Dubai on the world map and makes it an excellent location for the World FZO head office.

The World FZO headquartered office is located in Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA).

The Dubai Airport Free Zone is strategically located in the city of Dubai within close proximity to Dubai International Airport. DAFZA offers the benefits of a free zone while simultaneously catering to an office environment