Dubai has announced world’s first purpose-built smart retail hub “matajircom”.

The work on the project will start in April and the hub will be fully operational in the second quarter of 2015.

The project is part of Economic Zones World’s(EZW) vision to be the global hub of the upcoming e-economy and Dubai Customs’ focus on becoming the world’s leading facilitator of international trade.

Over the last few years, the number of online retailers has steadily climbed in the region, with the UAE making up the biggest share of the region’s e-Commerce market, followed by Saudi Arabia.

Through this inclusive initiative, EZW, in collaboration with Dubai Customs, puts in place an eco-system that brings all players in “e” domain to partner and collaborate with each other in a synergetic and rewarding experience enabling a customer initiate online trade with utmost precision.

The e-commerce hub will be located in TechnoPark.

“This initiative brings about paradigm shift in the e-commerce landscape, expanding markets from local to national and national to international,” said Salma Ali Saif bin Hareb, CEO of Economic Zones World, while announcing the project.

Ahmed Butti Ahmed, executive chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and director general of Dubai Customs, said the new project will serve as a comprehensive platform providing integrated solutions to customers focused on e-commerce.

Dubai Customs is fully committed to provide all the services and facilities required to enable the growth of e-Commerce in the region.

“Dubai Customs services are available around the clock, seven days a week, allowing a customer to submit requests at any time and from anywhere in the world,” he added.

The key features of EZW and Dubai Customs’ eco-system include e-Commerce tailored regulations and one-stop-shop solutions; physical fulfillment facilities and services; world-class financial infrastructure and payment gateway; high speed Internet; storefront developer; e-marketplace platforms; and call center services. E-commerce tailored regulations and one-stop-shop solutions will offer licensing, leasing and other utilities supported with world-class customs services.

The upcoming hub will allow a customer — 100 percent ownership,100 percent repatriation of capital and profits, and will offer 0 percent corporate and income tax.