Eaton starts construction of a new, sustainable, advanced manufacturing and engineering center in Dubai, UAE, in collaboration with Jafza

Intelligent power management company Eaton today announces the start of construction on the first phase of its new 36,000 square meter sustainable facility for advanced manufacturing, engineering and training in Dubai, UAE, in collaboration with Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), the flagship free zone of DP World. This milestone underscores Dubai’s commitment, as laid out in its D33 strategy, to high-tech industrial growth and its emergence as a global hub for manufacturing and innovation. The multi-million-dollar investment will create over 700 jobs including highly skilled research, engineering and advanced manufacturing positions to further support Eaton customer needs across Europe, 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.”

“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,” said 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).“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, building a future ready industrial ecosystem that positions Dubai at the forefront of global innovation.”

This new state-of-the-art facility will incorporate 20 different Industry 4.0 technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to significantly enhance Dubai’s capabilities in producing advanced electrical and electronic components critical for multiple industries. Strategically located in Jafza, Eaton will benefit from world-class infrastructure and seamless logistics via Jebel Ali Port to efficiently serve key markets.

A key element of the site will be a new strategic engineering center, housing several hundred engineers focused on product innovation, sustainable and smart manufacturing as well as power management solutions for data centers, utilities, commercial buildings and related industries.

The facility’s design reflects Eaton’s, Jafza’s and Dubai’s ambitious, shared sustainability objectives, incorporating renewable energy technologies and energy-efficient processes. This new site is expected to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification, minimizing environmental impact.

“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, as he highlighted Jafza’s role in driving Dubai’s industrial growth. “The sector contributed over AED 37.6 billion dirhams to GDP in 2024, and with the Dubai Industrial Strategy targeting a $5 billion 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 highlights how international companies can leverage Dubai and Jafza’s advantages to expand their global reach. With over 700 manufacturing businesses from 73 countries operating in Jafza, the free zone is advancing industrial growth, driving foreign investment and strengthening Dubai’s status as a global manufacturing and trade hub.