The Mechanism of Operational Integration 1process between a Seaport and a Free Zone: a Case Study on Jebel Ali Free Zone

This research discusses the operational integration mechanism between a seaport and a free zone, a case study on Jebel Ali Free Zone; selecting Jebel for its high performance and distinguished position achieved on both Arabic and International levels; definitions of the various types of free zones were introduced as well as a figure representing the mechanism of operational integration supported by a thorough analysis of the current cargo flow between Jebel Ali Free Zone and Port on various fields and levels, such as custom clearance, informatics such as Tradnet , Main, Mirsal and Electronic Data Interchange, and its role in creating such integration, a statistical hypothetical tests were conducted on the relationship among the number of containers handled at the port and free zone , exports , imports and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The research concluded the importance of benefiting from Jebel Ali Free zone experience of integration between the seaport and free zone.