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Dubai has long been synonymous with economic success, a hub where global businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs converge. However, as global trends shift and emerging markets rise, new destinations are capturing the attention of investors in the Middle East and beyond.
Among these emerging investment hubs is Port City Colombo, Sri Lanka’s first multi-services Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which stands out as a rising investment destination – a city built for the future, strategically positioned to become the new Dubai in South Asia.
In this article, we explore how Port City Colombo is redefining investment opportunities in the region, offering the advantages of Dubai’s business-friendly model, complemented by untapped economic potential, attractive fiscal incentives, and an environment conducive towards the ease of doing business.
Dubai’s transformation from a desert economy initially reliant on oil exports into a global financial, trade, and tourism hub is one of the most remarkable success stories of modern times. By diversifying into key sectors like real estate, financial services, logistics, and tourism, Dubai became a magnet for foreign direct investment (FDI), drawing multinational corporations and high-net-worth individuals alike.
One of Dubai’s key economic pillars has been its business-friendly policies, including tax-free zones, freehold property ownership for foreigners, and world-class infrastructure. However, with the UAE having introduced a 9% corporate tax, investors are exploring alternative destinations that offer similar benefits with increased tax efficiency.
This is where Port City Colombo steps in – offering a next-generation investment environment in South Asia comparative to what Dubai did for the Middle East. Furthermore, by using Dubai’s approach as a blueprint, Port City Colombo is ready to transform Sri Lanka and emerge as the leading regional hub and “Gateway to South Asia”.
The Middle East’s economic landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by diversification efforts under initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Dubai’s push for fintech and AI-driven growth. Gulf nations are actively seeking new investment destinations that align with their economic goals, particularly in emerging markets.
South Asia, and Sri Lanka in particular, with its deep pool of affordable young skilled and unskilled workers, a growing middle class, favourable time zone, and strategic location at the cross roads between east-west trade routes, presents a golden opportunity for investors looking to expand. In particular, Sri Lanka’s Port City Colombo offers access to both the Middle Eastern and South Asian markets, including India, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to establish a presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions.
A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with Exceptional Investment Benefits
Port City Colombo is a multi-services Special Economic Zone (SEZ), modelled on global hubs like Dubai and Singapore, offering competitive investor-friendly benefits:
These incentives make Port City Colombo one of the most attractive investment hubs in South Asia.
Located at the crossroads of major global shipping lanes, Port City Colombo offers direct access to India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Its proximity to India’s booming economy makes it an ideal regional headquarters for global companies.
For Middle Eastern investors, Port City Colombo serves as a bridge between South Asia and the Gulf, enabling trade, financial services, and real estate investments in a rapidly expanding market.
Port City Colombo is set to become South Asia’s premier offshore financial centre, much like Dubai’s DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre). This means investors can benefit from:
Dubai’s real estate boom has attracted foreign investors for decades. Now, Port City Colombo offers the same opportunity, with a luxury waterfront skyline, high-end retail, and integrated business spaces.
The Mall at Port City Colombo, the first of its kind in South Asia, for example, is a game-changer with its duty-free retail offering, making Colombo a premium shopping destination.
Real estate investment opportunities in Port City Colombo include:
Given Sri Lanka’s rapidly expanding tourism sector, investing in Port City Colombo’s real estate offers long-term capital appreciation and will ultimately afford rental yields comparable to Dubai.
Sri Lanka’s economic resurgence and IMF-backed reforms are paving the way for sustained growth and FDI inflows. The country’s strategic location, investor-friendly policies, and rising economic indicators position it as South Asia’s most exciting new investment hub.
Whether you’re an investor from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or Qatar, or any other country in the Middle East or beyond, Port City Colombo presents unparalleled opportunities across multiple sectors, including:
See more here: Best Real Estate & Investment Opportunities in Sri Lanka | Port City Colombo
Port City Colombo is at the forefront of South Asia’s economic transformation, creating a business-friendly environment designed for global success. With a single-window facilitator and governing authority, in the form of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission, Port City Colombo is arguably the easiest place to invest and do business in South Asia.
With its low-tax regime, global connectivity, and next-generation infrastructure, Port City Colombo is set to be the next Dubai – offering investors an early-mover advantage in South Asia’s fastest-growing business hub.
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