Dubai: DMCA Explores Approaches To Enhance UAE’s Global Maritime Leadership

The Dubai Maritime City Authority, DMCA, hosted a workshop themed, "The Future of the Maritime Sector in Dubai,"

which explored key prospects for bilateral cooperation with the Federal Transport Authority – Land and Maritime, FTA, aimed at further enhancing the maritime sector based on innovation, technology, sustainability and mutual cooperation.

Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, UAE Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Federal Transport Authority – Land and Maritime, said, "We are keen to strengthen the joint efforts between federal and local authorities to achieve a common vision to boost the UAE’s leadership in the maritime sector and enable local authorities to meet their needs in providing exceptional services and maintain competitiveness in the maritime sector.

"The UAE winning as member of the International Maritime Organisation, IMO, Executive Council, under the Category ‘B,’ calls for more concerted efforts at both the federal and local levels, and from public and private sectors to best represent the UAE in this important international forum and to create a maritime sector that reflects the country’s reputation and global leadership.

"I would like to thank all those who are working in the maritime sector in Dubai for their continuous work and success in supporting and strengthening the country's leadership in the global maritime sector."

Senior officials and representatives from top-level elite maritime authorities including the FTA, Dubai Ports World, Drydocks World, Dubai Customs, DMCA, and the Dubai Maritime City attended the workshop.

The participants noted that to enhance the competitive advantages of local maritime sectors, a unified effort among maritime authorities is important to further strengthen the UAE’s position as a global maritime hub, especially after the country has won a seat at the IMO’s Executive Council under Category B.

Amer Ali, Executive Director of the DMCA, said, "The workshop was an important strategic platform to explore the future of the maritime sector in the context of the government integration that paves the way for Dubai and the UAE to become a global leader in key sectors including transport, trade and shipping and logistics services.

"We are keen to build a knowledge and expertise network with our strategic partners from both public and private sectors in the UAE, including the FTA, in line with our common objectives to reinforce a solid foundation for safety and competitiveness of the local maritime cluster at the global arena, with the efforts to instill a culture of excellence within the maritime sector in accordance with the direction of our wise leadership."

The workshop assessed the current and potential challenges and reviewed the future plans, as well as the exploration of key prospects that will further develop the maritime industry and trade, international shipping and transport, marine engineering, training and maritime support services.

The workshop also emphasised the need for joint commitments to adopt measurable plans in line with the IMO strategy, particularly the conservation and sustainable use of water, marine and ocean resources, and meet the country’s vision of a safe, modern and sustainable maritime sector.

"The DMCA will continue to address challenges and optimise our strengths for more success and achievements in all areas, including modernising infrastructure and legislative and legal structures, developing logistics services, diversifying investment opportunities and enhancing the confidence of regional and international investors in the competitiveness of the local maritime sector, geared towards comprehensive and sustainable development," Ali said in conclusion.