DMA to strengthen partnerships across Dubai’s maritime sector

The Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA) at the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, the regulator of the shipping and maritime sector in Dubai, announced the launch of the programme, designed to strengthen partnerships across the maritime sector in the emirate, and engage decision-makers from maritime transport companies in the DMA’s efforts and initiatives to enhance the sector’s contribution to the local economy.

The programme was launched during an interactive meeting organised by DMA at Al Habtoor Hotel in the presence of over 100 senior managers and decision makers representing international, regional, and local organisations contribution to Dubai’s rich shipping and maritime sector, along with senior DMA officials.

The programme creates a regular platform for periodic engagement with representatives of maritime companies to discuss the market realities with the goal of enhancing the efficiency of operations, promoting transparency, facilitating and standardising procedures, maximising opportunities, strengthening investments and enhancing the maritime industry’s contribution to Dubai’s economy.

In his opening remarks at the event, Sheikh Saeed Bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Dubai Maritime Authority, said: “Today, we are on the cusp of new phase in enhancing the navigation and marine transport sector in Dubai, defined by the recent legislative decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, with Law No. (3) of 2023. And in line with this Law, we sought to launch the programme, which embodies the importance of public-private partnership as a springboard for growth, innovation, and prosperity.”

“We are confident that partnerships generate momentum for our efforts to develop the maritime sector in Dubai and strengthen the emirate’s position as a global centre for navigation and maritime transport, a strategic hub connecting the markets of the region and the world, and a destination of choice for foreign direct investment,” he added.

The programme provides a framework for the exchange of ideas and insight,” Sheikh Saeed explained. “It is a vehicle for discussing concerns with our partners at all times, and reflects the DMA’s commitment to developing the sector by involving all stakeholders in the decision-making process, shaping a shared vision based on the key pillars of transparency, consolidation of procedures, and enhancing operational efficiency in line with global best practices in the field.”

The meeting offered a platform for decision makers from maritime transport companies to express their opinions and set out their vision for the future of the sector through a series of panel discussions with DMA representatives and decision makers.

At the end of the meeting, attendees answered a questionnaire about the reality of working in the maritime sector and its performance in the emirate.

Engagement with the sector will accelerate over the coming months, with a series of periodic workshops with experts from various maritime companies in the emirate already planned, along with a series of meetings that aim to strengthen existing partnerships between the government and private sectors, while offering continuous support the sector in an effort to further advance the comprehensive economic development in the emirate.

Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA), which founded in 2007, has brought a radical change in the local maritime sector through an extensive range of industry initiatives and regulations which support its ambitious approach to creating a safe investment environment for industry leaders from all over the world, while reaffirming Dubai’s position as a first-class international maritime hub.

Established to monitor, develop and promote maritime activities, DMA provides a platform of excellence and quality as it develops world-class regulations and guidelines to raise the bar on the maritime industry and boost its infrastructure, operations and logistics services while offering investment opportunities to boost Dubai’s competitiveness at the regional and international levels.

DMA aims to build effective and strategic partnerships with relevant government agencies, private businesses and stakeholders in line with its vision to create a safe and vibrant maritime sector and therefore drive economic sustainability and growth in the emirate.

The Authority is keen on expanding its scope of work and laying down effective policies under the highest standards of maritime safety and best environmental practices, in adherence with the local and international laws to develop a safe maritime environment for maritime operations and businesses.