IFZA Appoints Former German and Austrian Chancellors to Advisory Board

IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) has announced a new Global Advisory Board featuring former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and former Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern. For business owners from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, this appointment adds a familiar face to one of Dubai’s most active free zones.

A Free Zone with DACH Connections

The Advisory Board is not just a ceremonial body. It includes figures who understand how European businesses operate and what they expect from a regulatory environment.

Gerhard Schröder served as German Chancellor from 1998 to 2005 and has since been involved in international business and energy sector roles. Christian Kern served as Federal Chancellor of Austria from 2016 to 2017 and previously ran ÖBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen), Austrian Federal Railways, one of the country’s largest companies.

Also on the board is Christoph Ahlhaus, who chairs the Federal Executive Board of BVMW (Der Mittelstand) and serves as President of the European SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise) Association. This is relevant because the majority of DACH companies setting up in Dubai are small and medium-sized businesses. Having someone who represents SME interests at the advisory level suggests IFZA takes this segment seriously.

The board will meet regularly to advise on IFZA’s direction in Europe and other markets. For German-speaking entrepreneurs evaluating UAE free zones, this kind of European involvement can offer some reassurance about governance and business culture.

Why DACH Businesses Choose IFZA

Beyond the board appointments, IFZA has built a reputation as a practical choice for international entrepreneurs. Here is what makes it attractive:

Speed. Company registration can be completed within a few days. Document requirements are straightforward, and the process does not involve excessive bureaucracy.

Licence Flexibility. IFZA covers a wide range of activities under its licences, and businesses can choose from hundreds of permitted activities.

Visa Allocation. Depending on the package, companies can obtain visa allocations for employees and dependents. IFZA also offers investor visas for business owners who want UAE residency through their company.