Jebel Ali


Jebel Ali is a port town south-west of Dubai. The Jebal Ali Port is located there. Al Maktoum International Airport has been constructed just outside the port area. Jebel Ali is connected to Dubai via the UAE Exchange, Danube and Energy stations on the Dubai Metro. Among the infrastructure projects built to support the port and town is the world's largest desalination plant, the Jebel Ali Desalination Plant, providing an ample supply of fresh water.

History

Many Arab historians argue that it was named after Ali ibn Abi Talib who was the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad while expanding the Islamic Caliphate had stood on one hill and looked towards the sea and perhaps supplicated as well although no such recorded proof has been found. "Jebel" means Mountain in Arabic.
On 23 September 1983, Gulf Air Flight 771 crashed in Jebel Ali killing all 112 people on board. The cause of the crash was a terrorist bomb that had been planted on board the aircraft by the Abu Nidal Organization.

Jebel Ali Port

Jebel Ali has become the port most frequently visited by ships of the United States Navy outside the United States. Due to the depth of the harbour and size of the port facilities, a and several ships of the accompanying battle group can be accommodated pierside. Due to the frequency of these port visits, semi-permanent shore-leave facilities have been erected adjacent to the carrier berth.

Jebel Ali Free Zone

In 1985, the Jebel Ali Free Zone was created: an industrial area surrounding the port. International companies that relocate there enjoy the special privileges of the free zone. These include exemption from corporate tax for 50 years, no personal income tax, no import or re-export duties, no restriction on currency, and easy labour recruitment.