Dubai has moved up the rankings of the world’s top 10 Maritime Capitals, the latest success in a string of accomplishments that have made the Emirate a globally competitive maritime hub. As outlined by a newly released report from Menon economics and DNV GL, the International Organisations that specialise in benchmarking leading Maritime capitals of the world, the emirates took 9th position in 2019. The report, unveiled in Singapore, surveyed 200 experts and high-profile officials from leading maritime companies worldwide.
The global report has also ranked Dubai as the primary maritime hub in the Middle East, India, and Africa. In step with this, experts anticipate that the emirate will continue its growth, further consolidating its pivotal role on the global maritime map to become one of the more important and powerful maritime capitals by 2024.
“The remarkable progress made by Dubai as one of the world’s best maritime capitals for 2019 is not surprising as it serves as a continuation of the path towards excellence to become number one in the world. DMCA’s focus on Research and Development (R&D) and innovation to develop integrated logistics programs and advanced infrastructure and legislation is paying off as we ensure the highest standards of efficient maritime operations, occupational safety, and better environmental practices to reach global leadership. We are currently implementing an integrated and impactful portfolio of initiatives to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and guarantee its contributions to the country’s sustainable growth and economic diversification strategy. Promoting innovation, technology, and sustainability has enhanced the international community’s confidence in Dubai. The success of our ambitious plans, supported by our fruitful cooperation with our government and private sector partners makes Dubai and the UAE an influential global force in the maritime industry.”
Sultan bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World, UAE Region
Dubai Silk Road Strategy
The DMCA’s Dubai Silk Road Strategy has recently been launched, and is directed at enhancing air freight, sea freight, and logistics integration to help attain economic diversification. The move is set to become a cornerstone in the emirate’s economic diversification efforts, denoting a substantial boost to the large investments allocated by the Dubai government within the last few decades, such as the establishment of ports, airports, and free zones.
Marine Sector is the Driver of GDP Growth
Dubai’s maritime sector will continue to strengthen its critical role as one of the key areas expected to drive in economic diversification. This past year, the maritime sector witnessed an extraordinary rate of expansion that helped bring critical growth for the country’s GDP.
Quattro Helix Partnerships
To further improve the competitiveness and appeal of the maritime community and effectively play a role in economic diversification in accordance with future needs, the DMCA has implemented a four- pronged model partnership with government, academicians, private sectors, and Research and Development (R&D) institutions. DMCA has also launched the ‘Innovation Quay’ as a significant initiative to develop marine equipment by leveraging innovative ideas and technological know-how to further serve Dubai’s economic diversification.
Marine Entertainment Support (Sea Dubai)
The Sea Dubai platform initiative is a considerable boost to marine leisure activities, enhancing the emirate’s role as a vital source of tourism and marine development. This programme introduces clear frameworks for regulating the operation of marine recreational facilities within local territorial waters. It also speeds up and facilitates the registration and licensing of sailing permits, in co-operation with the public and private sectors.
Strong Partnerships with Global Maritime Clusters
The DMCA has provided valuable contributions towards the consolidation of the strategic partnership between Dubai and the world’s top maritime clusters by opening up new channels of effective dialogue and constructive co-operation, enhancing bridges of modern knowledge transfer and sharing the successful experiences and best practices in research and development, innovation, maritime services, and human investment. The Dubai Maritime Cluster Office recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maritime Cluster of the Panama Maritime Authority, resulting in the opening of a wide range of joint maritime work in the field of research, training, consulting, and marketing
Smart Transformation
The DMCA is moving steadily on the path toward smart transformation, driven by an integrated package of smart initiatives, such as the Dubai Maritime Virtual Cluster. The DMCA Smart App provides a unified smart channel for mobile phones to directly gain access to maritime licensing services and obtain appropriate information quickly and easily, powered by interactive features and integrated services, including inquiry services, smart payment, digital license, smart client workspace, maritime library, smart maritime exam, and weather forecasts.
“We are delighted to achieve this new global achievement that demonstrates the progress of the maritime sector in Dubai led with a leadership vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, and his support to the industry and keen efforts to enable out teams to achieve better results in all areas related to maritime sector. I would also like to thank the DMCA team for its work and dedication to ensure improved local maritime services at all levels”
Sultan bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World, UAE Region
- Survey breakdown based on nationalities
- 40% Europe
- 30% Asia
- 30% USA, Middle East and Africa
- Ranked 9th position in 2019
- Dubai maritime industry’s contribution to the Total GDP AED26.9 billion in 2018
- Growth of offshore companies 7,400 in 2018
- 7,400 in 2018
- 6,655 in 2017
- 5,500 in 2016
- Leading to 76,000 job opportunities