Maritime sector contributes Dh14.4bn to Dubai GDP

Dubai maritime sector has made major leaps in terms of its direct contribution to the emirate’s GDP which amounted to 4.6 per cent or the equivalent of Dh14.4 billion, Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) said in a press statement.

Maritime operations, maritime engineering, ports and shipping come at the top of marine components that contribute to the local economy, followed by maritime and recreational services and different offshore support services. The components of the local marine sector played an active role in supplying the labour market with more than 75,000 promising job opportunities to meet the aspirations of qualified human resources, especially in maritime operations, maritime engineering and ports, which accounted for 51 per cent and 25 per cent of the employment rates within Dubai’s maritime sector.

DMCA also briefed Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and President of Dubai Maritime City Authority, on the latest progress being made in the implementation of the Strategic Maritime Plan of Dubai. The strategy is centered on the development, organization and promotion of the maritime sector and consolidating Dubai’s position as a world class maritime center.

Bin Sulayem said that the local maritime sector represents a fundamental pillar to boost sustainable growth and overall development in the future. It also acts as a key partner in promoting Dubai's competitiveness regionally and internationally.

He said: “Maritime Strategy has gained a particular importance as it is the first plan centered on a quantum leap within the maritime sector in Dubai in order to activate its contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) and consolidating its role as one of the most prominent value-added economic sectors. It is the embodiment of the vision and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.”

Bin Sulayem added that the maritime plan is gaining a strategic dimension as it is centered on the development of all components of the maritime sector.

He said: “We look forward for further work on the application of maritime strategic axes which will have a central role in activating the contribution of the maritime sector in driving the growth of vital economic sectors and turn Dubai into a major center of entrepreneurship and investment.”

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