Jebel Ali

Jebel Ali is a port town, located 35 kilometers southwest of the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The village has a thriving expatriate community with over 300 residents. The area is also home to "5,500 companies from 120 countries". The Port of Jebel Ali is situated in Jebel Ali. In 1985, the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ) was established. JAFZ, an industrial area surrounding the port, allows the international companies who relocate there to enjoy the special privileges of the free zone. These include exemption from corporate tax for fifteen years, no personal income tax, no import or export duties, no restriction on currency, and easy labor recruitment. Al Maktoum International Airport is being constructed just outside of the port area.

Jebel Ali has become the port most frequently visited by ships of the United States Navy outside the United States. Virtually all sailors who have completed shipboard tours have visited the port at least once. Due to the depth of the harbor and size of the port facilities, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and several ships of the accompanying battle group can be accommodated pierside. Due to the frequency of these port visits, semi-permanent liberty facilities (referred to by service personnel as "The Sandbox") have been erected adjacent to the carrier berth.