Dubai Maritime Authority to offer licensing at boat show

Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) will offer Marine Craft Licensing Services during the Dubai International Boat Show 2014 which opens today.

The availability of the licensing services represents an important step in the Resolution No. 11 of 2013 to issue Implementing Regulations (IR) of Resolution No. 11 of 2010 for licensing of marine crafts in the emirate of Dubai.

The initiative supports the key efforts being made to create a vibrant and secure maritime sector that falls in line with the Maritime Sector Strategy, which is aimed at the development, organization and promotion of the local maritime industry—bolstering the move to position Dubai as a first class global maritime hub.

Ali Al Dabbous, Executive Director of Operations, DMCA, said: “Applying for Marine Craft Licensing Services in the local waters of Dubai as per the Implementing Regulations is considered to be a significant step in the move to help reach the goals set by the strategic maritime plan of Dubai. This initiative reflects the strong focus we have placed on promoting Dubai’s maritime sector as a key contributor in achieving good leadership and excellence, which follows the firm vision of our wise leadership.”

He said: “The launch of a complete collection of maritime licensing services demonstrates DMCA’s focus on increasing awareness on the methods, programs and initiatives designed to advance Dubai’s maritime segment. These actions help in furthering the competitiveness of the maritime sector; create an integrated, secure and sustainable maritime environment that is able to respond effectively to market changes; cope with growing trends; attract more regional and international investments to reinforce Dubai's position  as a premier global maritime hub,” he added.

During the show, DMCA will be on hand to offer an integrated platform designed to provide fast and easy licensing procedures, which is expected to help drive in high levels of customer satisfaction for both individual and business applicants.

Adel Kalantar, Head of Registration and Licensing Department, DMCA, said, “The authority has always adopted an approach that is based on promoting the initiatives and programs that we have implemented to further boost the competitiveness of the maritime sector. Our goal is to create an integrated and secure maritime environment that is capable of attracting regional and international investments to Dubai. The licensing of pleasure and commercial marine crafts and sport, tourist and traditional boats represents a strategic and organizational framework that successfully brings together all aspects of maritime security, safe navigation and operational efficiency along the shores of Dubai.”

Ever since its implementation, licensing for the Marine Craft Licensing Services has seen an unprecedented turnout from applicants—with over 250 driving licenses and 500 marine craft licenses issued so far and is expected to climb further throughout the year.

“A designated team of marine experts and specialists will be on hand at DIBS to provide assistance to applicants applying for their licenses—providing all the needed information for all types of marine crafts and crew and verifying their compliance with the set technical specifications, local maritime safety systems and environment-friendly requirements within a world-class environment that meets international maritime standards, concluded Al Dabbous.

Dubai International Boat Show opens today The 5-day Dubai International Boat Show 2014, which opens today in Mina Seyahi, is expected to draw 26,000 visitors from 70 countries.

Reflecting growing international interest in the Middle East as a key maritime market, over 70% of exhibiting companies come from overseas, highlighting the show’s international status. Participating exhibitors hail from more than 50 countries including the Maldives and the Philippines for the first time.

Robust Dubai boat show growth is evidenced by a 20% participation of new exhibitors among the 750 companies and brands at the show and 42 global and regional premiers that are scheduled to take place. In addition, over 430 boats valued at Dh1.8 billion will be displayed at the 22nd edition of the show. Dubai International Boat Show organisers have confirmed 30 luxury boats exceeding 21 metres, which includes 19 spectacular superyachts.

One of the show’s main attractions is the 88.5-metre-long superyacht Nirvana, built by Oceanco and exhibited by Edmiston, at the stunning Marina Display area. Nirvana is one of the world’s top 50 longest superyachts and the exhibition’s largest-ever superyacht to date.

Nirvana is crafted using the world’s most exquisite materials and features two helipads, six decks, a stage for live performances, a 3D cinema and more. It has a range of 6,800 nautical miles, a maximum speed of 19.5 knots and can accommodate 12 guests in 6 cabins with 27 onboard crew.

Plans for the world’s largest and fastest-ever all-aluminium yacht, the SILVER-FAST 77m, which is currently under construction, will be announced by UAE-based BehneMar Yachting Consultancy. The Silver-Fast 77m will be fourth in the company’s Silver Yachts line, complemented by the locally-built 85-foot-long Blue Dubai Dhow.

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