Drydocks World, a subsidiary of DP World and one of the UAE’s most prominent maritime facilities, has launched a city-wide competition inviting Dubai residents to name a monumental new engineering achievement—a 5,000-tonne floating crane, the largest of its kind in the Middle East and Africa.
This colossal crane marks a milestone in the company’s decades-long journey at the forefront of maritime engineering. With the capacity to lift loads of up to 5,000 tonnes and a reach of 180 metres—equal to the rooftop height of the Burj Al Arab—the floating crane is designed to support mega maritime and energy projects. It is currently under construction by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (ZPMC) and is expected to arrive in Dubai in the summer of 2026. However, the name must be selected now to be engraved onto the crane during its fabrication phase.
Drydocks World is calling on engineers, creatives, students, and everyday residents alike to participate. Suggested names must reflect the UAE’s values—such as strength, maritime heritage, and forward-looking innovation—and can be in either Arabic or English. Each entry must include a short explanation of the inspiration behind the proposed name.
H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, stated,
This crane is more than machinery. It’s a symbol of Dubai’s ambition, resilience and engineering excellence.
Captain Rado Antolovic, CEO of Drydocks World, added,
This new crane represents the next leap forward in scale, capability, and innovation.
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges, including Drydocks World leadership, Emirati cultural figures, and branding experts. The winner will receive a signed full-size 2025 McLaren Racing helmet, presented in celebration of the upcoming Formula 1 finale at Yas Marina Circuit.
Dubai residents have until August 4, 2025, to submit their entries at www.dpworld/nameourcrane.com. The chosen name will become a permanent part of regional maritime history, engraved into one of the world’s most powerful cranes.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
