Dubai’s IFZA opens office in Zurich, Switzerland

IFZA Opens Swiss Office in Zurich, Strengthening UAE-Switzerland Business Ties

September 20, 2024

UAE – IFZA, in collaboration with Quadris Solutions Limited, Dubai’s most dynamic free zone community, has opened its Swiss office in Zurich.

This partnership, which aims to establish direct ties with Swiss enterprises, is a significant step in IFZA’s growth strategy into the larger European market and is consistent with the UAE’s goal of drawing foreign corporations to Dubai as a catalyst for economic expansion.

The launch event, held at the Zunfthaus zur Meisen, welcomed more than 150 distinguished guests, including Swiss investors, business leaders and dignitaries from both countries. UAE Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein Dr Hisa Abdullah Ahmed Al-Otaiba, Swiss Business Council UAE President Michael Lane and Arab-Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CASCI) Secretary General Hilda Al-Hinai were also present.

Tailored solutions

IFZA was officially welcomed as a new member of CASCI – the Arab Chamber of Commerce, which highlights the company’s commitment to representing Arab interests in Switzerland and strengthening its presence in the Swiss market. As the first UAE-based Free Zone to open an office in Switzerland, IFZA will provide Swiss companies with the solutions they need, with dedicated Swiss staff ensuring a deep understanding of local market needs.

IFZA’s Chief Financial Officer Holger Schlechter said: “Switzerland is the UAE’s number one trading partner in the Middle East, with bilateral trade expected to exceed $22.3 billion by 2023. Our new office in Zurich is more than a physical presence—it’s a commitment to building. Meaningful relationships.

The goal of the UAE and Switzerland is to assist entrepreneurs and firms that spur economic growth, and this entry into the Swiss market will be crucial to maintaining the momentum and giving Swiss companies access to unmatched opportunities in Dubai.”

“IFZA plays a dynamic role in bringing investors and entrepreneurs from all over the world to Dubai and the UAE. By opening its offices in Frankfurt earlier this year, it has already become a very reliable partner for German companies and investors. It is a strong and dynamic economic partnership between Switzerland and the UAE. “We are very happy to have IFZA in Zurich as it will be a catalyst,” commented Al-Odaiba.

Dynamic market

Al-Otaiba and IFZA’s Director of International Business Relations, Diego Michael, underlined the benefits of Dubai’s dynamic market for European businesses and the growing synergy between the two economies.

“I am delighted to welcome IFZA as a new member to the CASCI family and congratulate them on the opening of their new office in Zurich. I am confident that IFZA’s presence in Zurich will strengthen business relations between Switzerland and the UAE and contribute to the promotion of trade and investment.”

“I encourage Swiss businesses to take advantage of the services offered by IFZA. I look forward to further collaboration between CASCI and IFZA. Welcome to Switzerland, IFZA,” said Al Hinai.

The event highlighted the link between Switzerland and Dubai, with the recent launch of direct flights between Basel and Dubai, complementing existing routes from Zurich and Geneva. These links of major Swiss cities are expected to further enhance business opportunities between the two countries.