The Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) recently hosted a workshop which explored key prospects for bilateral cooperation with the Federal Transport Authority – Land and Maritime, aimed at further enhancing the maritime sector based on innovation, technology, sustainability and mutual cooperation.
The event was held under the patronage of Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, UAE Minister of Infrastructure Development and chairman of the FTA. The workshop was themed The Future of the Maritime Sector in Dubai.
Dr Al Nuaimi said: We are keen to strengthen the joint efforts between federal and local authorities to achieve a common vision to boost the UAEs 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 UAEs winning as member of the International Maritime Organization (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 countrys reputation and global leadership.”
He continued: 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 UAEs position as a global maritime hub, especially after the country has won a seat at the IMOs Executive Council under Category B.
Amer Ali, executive director of 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.
Ali added: 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 solid foundation for safety and competitiveness of the local maritime cluster at the global arena, with the efforts to instil 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 countrys vision of a safe, modern and sustainable maritime sector.
Ali concluded: 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.