Dubai’s Airport Free Zone (DAFZ) has become an ideal location to sell luxury cars. Seven international automobile manufacturers have recently established bases here: Ferrari Middle East and Africa, Maserati Middle East, Porsche Middle East FZE, Spyker Automobielen, Audi Volkswagen Middle East FZE, Isuzu Motors Limited and MAN Middle East FZCO. The strong regional demand for cars is projected to surpass 23.2 million units by 2010. “Since its inception more than a decade ago, [DAFZ] planned to focus on attracting major industries and potential investors who bring about added-value to the overall objectives of the Free Zone,” said Salah El-Tayeb, DAFZ’s media and communications senior officer. “The cars are 100% tax free and there is the option to repatriate capital.” Edwin Fenech, General Manager of Ferrari Middle East and North Africa, aware of the region’s small but financially mighty population, stated that, “this market generates demand for the most luxurious cars.”
