April 15- Dubai Airport Freezone new investments grew an impressive 55 percent in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same period last year.  Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airport Freezone, said expansion was led by 16 European and American companies who have increased their activities in the region as they search for new markets.  He said “This strong 55 percent growth in investments is a natural result of the increase in the number of new companies registered in the first quarter. In addition, existing companies at the Freezone expanded by 38 percent in their premises space.”

Shaikh Al Maktoum said Dubai Airport Freezone contributed 2.2 percent to Dubai’s GDP last year and this is expected to grow as the number of companies increase and major international companies make new investments in order to gain a foothold in the Middle East and Africa region.