Dubai, Feb 1 (IANS) Dubai Airport Freezone has recorded sharp growth in 2009 with revenue rising by 30 percent compared to the previous year, WAM news agency reported.

Part of the increase was due to the considerable expansion in office space by major European and American companies based at the airport.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Airport Freezone, said Sunday the airport's contribution to GDP has exceeded 2.2 percent in 2007.

He said the income in 2009 gives a positive indication about the emirate's ability to achieve good results in the coming period and willingness of foreign firms to operate from Dubai.

"It is no doubt that the global financial crisis has affected the world economic activities, but free zones around the world and in particular Dubai Airport Freezone has benefited great deal from these exceptional circumstances and turned them into positive opportunities.

"It opened its doors to foreign companies seeking to expand their markets to distribute their products in the Middle East and beyond," he said.

A total of 1,490 companies, including firms from Japan, Germany, France and the US, have registered with Dubai Airport Freezone in the United Arab Emirates.

Al Maktoum said the Freezone provides many advantages and incentives that meet the needs of foreign companies.