Our History
The World Free Zones Organization was registered in Geneva, Switzerland, and launched in Dubai, UAE, in May 2014 by 14 founding members under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Today, the Organization brings together over 1,600 members across 142 countries, making it the leading global platform for zone cooperation.
Since its founding, the Organization has developed through collaboration and trust, connecting public and private stakeholders across regions, industries, and stages of development. It has supported the interests of zones by contributing to the development of industry standards, promoting best practices, and informing policy dialogue, while delivering training programmes, advisory services, and thought leadership to strengthen capabilities worldwide.
Zones employ more than two percent of the global workforce, underscoring their importance in modern economies. As their role continues to evolve, the Organization remains focused on supporting zones in contributing to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
Our Vision: Together, we drive global economic progress, sustainability, and inclusive growth through empowered free zones, setting the benchmark for economic advancement.
Our Mission: Our mission is to engage free zones from around the world by supporting through knowledge, networking, advocacy, and consulting, to promote their positive impact and enhance their contribution to economic prosperity and social development in their host countries
Founding Members
The World Free Zones Organization was founded by a group of leaders who recognized the need for a unified global body for economic zones. Guided by a commitment to collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and practical engagement, they established an institution to connect stakeholders, support policy dialogue, and strengthen the role of zones in the global economy.
Dr. Mohammed Alzarooni
Chairman, Board of Directors
Executive Chairman of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones (DIEZ) and Secretary-General of Dubai Free Zone Council (DFZC), UAE
Chris Ndibe
CEO
Carclon Group
Francois Bost
Professor of Economic Geography
University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA), France.
Isidoro Hodara
Director Zonamerica
Vicepresident Uruguay
Julie Brown
President and CEO
Georgia Foreign-Trade Zone
Martín Gustavo Ibarra Pardo
Founder President
Association of Free Zones of the Americas (AZFA)
Mehdi Tazi
Board member at Tanger Med Special Agency
Managing Director of Tanger Free Zone
Nasser Al Madani
Assistant Director General
Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai, UAE
PC Nambiar
Director
SEZ Biotech Services PVT Ltd, Pune, India
Rose Hynes
Chairman
Shannon Group plc
Explore About Us
Discover how the WFZO supports zones through knowledge, networks, policy dialogue, and operational support. Learn more about our governance, committees, regional presence, and the actors shaping the future of zones.
Contact Us
Want to learn more about the origins and development of the WFZO? Contact our team for additional information about our journey and the evolution of the global zones community.