Dubai Customs, DTCM Ink Agreement to Develop Tourist

Dubai Customs and the Department of Tourism and Commercial Marketing in Dubai (DTCM) have signed a cooperation and partnership agreement to promote the development of tourist facilities at Jumeirah 1, Umm Suqeim 1 and Umm Suqeim 2 harbours.

As per the agreement, DTCM, through the Dubai College of Hospitality Training, will offer hospitality and customer service training courses to DC staff in charge of running fishermen harbours, in addition to easing the granting of entertainment licenses to restaurants based in the harbours, he continued.

Beneficiaries of the Fishermen Harbours Development Project include 1000 labourers and seamen. The boat yard has a total capacity of 466 anchorages, of which 348 are for fishing boats and 119 for yachts and recreational boats.

Fishermen facilities include seamen accommodation units, warehouses to store fishing tools, boat repair workshops, two fish markets; one in Jumeirah 1 and the other in Umm Suqeim 1, retail outlets, world-class restaurants and cafes, prayer halls and tourist and recreational facilities.

All of these facilities are to cater to the needs of fishermen and residents and to attract tourists by providing means of comfort to them to enjoy an incredible waterfront experience with some of the best views in Dubai. The project constitutes a tourist landmark while reflecting on the Emirati heritage and culture.

The agreement was signed at the DC main office by Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs, and Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of DTCM, in presence of Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World and Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation.

Bin Sulayem said that the agreement is in line with Dubai Government’s vision to make Dubai the destination of choice for tourists looking for relaxation and amusement in a safe environment. He stressed that the Fishermen Harbours will add to the emirate’s impressive portfolio of tourist attractions.

Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said the DTCM will provide all facilitations necessary to implement this agreement, including research-based suggestions and recommendations such as feasibility studies aimed at leveraging the tourist and economic promotion of the three harbours.

"Ahmed Mahboob said a joint work team will be formed to devise an annual action plan, determine joint projects and initiatives and measure how well goals are met biannually as per standards and KPIs that will be mutually determined." The Fishermen Harbours Development Project commenced in 2008 to support traditional fishermen, improving their everyday life, and revive the UAE’s rich heritage.

Through this project, Dubai Customs stresses its social and cultural roles side-by-side with its economic, commercial and security roles. DC makes valuable contributions to sustainable development and reserving the UAE national identity to uphold the overall boom witnessed in Dubai in particular and the UAE in general.