Salma Hareb

CEO Jafza & Economic Zones World

In September 2005 Salma Ali Saif Bin Hareb, CEO Jafza and Economic Zones World made history when she became the first female in the Middle East and North Africa region to be appointed the head of a free zone. And she hasn’t looked back since.

By making Jebel Ali Free Zone one of the most customer-friendly organizations in the region, and possibly the world, Ms. Salma Hareb has not-only changed the dynamics of the free zones business in the region, and quite possibly the world, but has also contributed towards its tremendous growth over the past two years.

In January 2007, with the launch of Economic Zones World, a new commercial entity created under the government-owned Dubai World group, Ms. Salma Hareb’s responsibilities widened to include Jafza’s global operations under Jafza International, as well as other business parks within the group. She currently oversees Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), its international arm Jafza International, Techno Park and Dubai Auto Zone. With all four businesses operating under the single umbrella, Ms. Salma Hareb is now focusing on establishing a strong global presence for these units through her role as the CEO of Economic Zones World.

Her vast professional experience prior to her current role as head of Jafza and Economic Zones World is one of the numerous advantages Ms. Salma Hareb has in leading one of the flagship entities of Dubai World. She has also held various executive positions in reputed organizations, as well as a stint as Chief Lab Technologist for the Department of Health and Medical Services

Salma Hareb is a post-graduate in Medical Lab Sciences from Cardiff Institute of Higher Education in London, and holds a Diploma in Computer Programming and Information Processing from City and Guilds Institute, London. She graduated from the Al Ain University, UAE.

Salma Hareb also serves as a Board Member for Ports and Free Zones, Dubai Exports Development Corporation set up by the government of Dubai in 2006 for the development and expansion of the export sector, opening up new markets for exports and to encourage local industries to increase investments.

She is also a member of the Board of Dubai World venture Forsa, which has been set up to enable the growth of businesswomen by offering women in the UAE the opportunity to invest and partner in the country’s development, and empower them to realise their entrepreneurial aspirations by investing in pre-packaged business ideas, and to provide inspiration through mentoring and role models to help women navigate the world of business and investment.

In 2008, Ms. Salma Hareb topped Forbes Arabia’s list of the 50 most powerful Arab businesswomen. Her services in the field have also been recognized with the Business Women Award 2006 for Leadership.

Under her leadership, Jafza has been awarded the Outstanding Achievement of the Year & Industrial Area of the Year – Supply Chain and Transport Awards 2008; Industrial Area of the year – Supply Chain & Transport Award 2007; Best Port Special Economic Zones in the Middle East – Foreign Direct Investment 2006; Best Logistics Park – Sea – Middle East Logistics Award 2006 and Jafza Sukuk has been named Best Sukuk and UAE Deal of the Year for 2007.