Dubai stays strong as the world's fifth busiest place for shipping, according to the Nautical Institute UAE Branch.
Being the only city in the Arab world on this list, Dubai is ahead of big names like Rotterdam, Hamburg, and New York. The top four spots are held by Singapore, London, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.
The UAE has become a leading maritime nation. In 2022, the maritime sector's contribution to the UAE's economy reached Dh129 billion, marking an 18% increase from 2021. Capt. Zarir Irani, secretary of the Nautical Institute's UAE Branch, highlighted the country's achievements in global competitiveness indicators for the maritime sector.
Irani noted that UAE's ports are among the world's top 10 in container handling volume, managing over 19 million TEUs and recording more than 25,000 port calls last year. Globally, the UAE ranks seventh in the Logistics Performance Index.
Irani emphasized,
'The UAE’s dedication to improving its maritime system perfectly resonates with the mission of the Nautical Institute UAE.'
The annual Marine Ball, held on March 1st, 2024, at its customary location, brought together maritime professionals. The Nautical Institute, based in London, has a UAE branch committed to advancing maritime standards and supporting local seafarers. The event saw over 300 attendees, including Eugene Mayne, chairman of Tristar Holdings, and CEO John Lloyd.
The institute engages globally with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), advocating for policies affecting seafarers worldwide. In the UAE, a committee of 20 seasoned master mariners from various backgrounds drives advancements and cooperation in the maritime industry. Irani noted, 'As the first international branch beyond the UK, the UAE branch maintains a tradition of excellence, fostering networking and knowledge exchange among maritime experts.
News Source: Khaleej Times
