Arun ShankarDubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) develops Dubai Blink, the world’s first B2B smart commerce platform. It will utilize artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technology and virtual business licenses, allowing companies from around the world to connect and trade via Dubai. As one of Dubai 10X initiatives, Dubai Blink was presented to Dubai Free Zones Council, which is being chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
The project offers a new form of e-commerce known as smart commerce, which utilizes Artificial Intelligence algorithms and Internet of things technology that will drive innovation within supply chains, placing Dubai and the UAE in unique positions at a global level.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “The Dubai Blink project will be one of the most innovative models for the future of global supply chains and e-commerce across the free zones. It will help boost trade for companies operating in Dubai’s free zones, which have chosen the Emirate as a platform for growth and prosperity.”
“We have directed the free zones to form a joint team to unite our efforts and expertise to make Dubai Blink a success and help achieve the aims of the Dubai10X initiative – to make Dubai 10 years ahead of its time. This comes in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The work that is being done between the free zones and government agencies will help create a new model for smart commerce in the international industry as well an attractive future for foreign investments within the free zones of Dubai.”
The initiative will enable both global companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to set up digital businesses in Dubai free zones without the need to be physically there. Blink will be replacing the existing trade licensing solutions empowered through process innovations and technologies by introducing virtual company formation.
The announcement comes in support of Dubai and the UAE’s vision to create smarter digital economies driven by innovation and technology. It is expected that the value of global B2B e-commerce will reach USD 7.7 trillion in 2017.*
