Image: Dubai Media Office
Intelligent power management company Eaton has announced the start of construction on the first phase of its 36,000-square-meter sustainable facility for advanced manufacturing, engineering, and training in Dubai, UAE, in partnership with Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) — the flagship free zone of DP World.
The milestone marks a major investment that reinforces Dubai’s D33 strategy and its ambition to become a global hub for high-tech manufacturing and innovation. The new multi-million-dollar facility will create over 700 jobs, including high-skilled positions in research, engineering, and advanced manufacturing, to meet growing customer demand across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
“Our latest advanced, sustainable manufacturing facility and engineering center will further enable Eaton to meet the growing demand to deliver power safely, sustainably and efficiently across the region and beyond,” said Paulo Ruiz, chief executive officer, Eaton. “We are proud to work alongside DP World and Jafza to align with the Dubai government’s vision of accelerating sustainable industrial growth in the region, positioning the nation as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and innovation.”
His Excellency Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC) — the economic development arm of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) — added:
“Eaton’s investment reinforces Dubai’s emergence as a global center for advanced manufacturing, powered by high-skilled talent, R&D investment and next-generation automated factories. It represents a strong commitment to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and its vision for sustainable industrial growth. We welcome the continued confidence shown by global manufacturing champions like Eaton, reflecting the opportunities Dubai provides through world-class infrastructure, a pro-business environment, and exceptional talent.”
The new facility will integrate 20 Industry 4.0 technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to advance Dubai’s production of electrical and electronic components that serve critical industries such as utilities, data centers, and commercial infrastructure. Strategically located in Jafza, the site will benefit from Jebel Ali Port’s global connectivity, supporting Eaton’s logistics and market access across the EMEA region.
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A major component of the project will be a strategic engineering center, employing several hundred engineers focused on product innovation, sustainable design, smart manufacturing, and power management solutions.
Aligned with Eaton’s and Dubai’s sustainability goals, the facility will feature renewable energy systems and energy-efficient processes, targeting LEED Gold certification to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable operations.
“We’re proud to welcome Eaton to Jafza as part of Dubai’s push to lead in advanced manufacturing,” said Abdulla Bin Damithan, chief executive officer and managing director, DP World GCC.
“The sector contributed over Dhs37.6bn to GDP in 2024, and with the Dubai Industrial Strategy targeting a $5bn industrial boost by 2030, projects like this are essential. Jafza’s infrastructure and connectivity will help Eaton drive efficiency, innovation and sustainability.”
Eaton’s investment further illustrates how global companies are leveraging Dubai’s industrial ecosystem to scale innovation and expand market presence. With over 700 manufacturing firms from 73 countries operating in Jafza, the free zone continues to play a central role in driving industrial diversification, attracting foreign investment, and cementing Dubai’s position as a global center for manufacturing and trade.
