Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) has teamed up with Haldiram, India’s leading multinational food brand, to develop one of the largest saffron processing facilities in the GCC, following an agreement signed on the sidelines of Gulfood 2025.
The cutting-edge facility, set to commence operations in March 2025, will be managed by Kesar Expert & Packers, a specialist in processing high-quality saffron with 22 years of experience in India. It will also secure globally recognized European BRCGS certification to guarantee the quality and purity of its saffron.
Initially, the hub will process 30 metric tons of saffron, with plans to scale up to 100 metric tons over the next five years by leveraging the UAE-India CEPA and the world-class connectivity and infrastructure at Jebel Ali Port and Jafza.
Furthermore, Jafza and Haldiram explored other avenues of future collaboration including the expansion of Haldiram’s presence in Dubai and further investment in food processing and distribution facilities.
This agreement strengthens Dubai’s role as a global trade hub, driven by Jafza’s expanding F&B sector, which is now home to more than 770 F&B companies.
As a world-leading free trade zone, Jafza is home to a vibrant community of more than 10,890 multinational companies. Jafza accounts for a significant FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) flow into Dubai, sustaining the employment of more than 135,000 people in the UAE.
Strategically located at the crossroads of a region providing market access to over 3.5 billion people, Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone create an integrated multi-modal hub offering sea, air and land connectivity, complemented by extensive logistics facilities.
