Mansoor bin Mohammed: Dubai’s business-friendly policies and processes have helped develop commercial dhow traffic at Dubai Creek
- Exports through Dubai Creek saw a 10% year-on-year growth, from 118 million tonnes during the first nine months of 2021 to 130 million tonnes in the corresponding period of 2022
- Nearly 12,000 commercial ships entered and exited Dubai Creek Harbour during H1 2022
- Thanks to an efficient process of completing necessary formalities 72 hours before the arrival of the ships, the waiting time for commercial dhows is down from 8-10 hours to just 30 minutes
His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Border Security Council, today inaugurated the joint Dubai Creek building, which will operate at full capacity to receive commercial wooden ships.
Speaking at the event, HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed said the Council’s strategy and plans are in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and under the follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
During the visit, His Highness toured the Dubai Creek pier and inspected the Al Shindagha Entry and the Al Ras Exit of the building. His Highness was accompanied by His Excellency
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Vice Chairman of the Council; Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum; His Excellency Ahmed Mahboub and several other Council members.
HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed said the Council seeks to enhance Dubai’s ability to ensure the highest security at its border crossing points. He also stressed the importance of maintaining high levels of preparedness to handle any unforeseen situation, thus contributing to the safety and security of society.
HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed commended the government departments and organizations represented in the Council for their efforts to promote collaboration between various local and federal agencies supervising border crossings. He praised them for fostering a knowledge-sharing culture, following best practices to implement Dubai’s strategic border security plan, and contributing to raising the city’s regional and global competitiveness.
HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed highlighted the role of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), led by its chairman, His Excellency Sultan Ahmad bin Sulayem, and members of the commission under the leadership of Mahmoud Amin Khoury, the Executive Director of the Marine Agency responsible for overseeing wooden ships, for their efforts to develop commercial dhow traffic at Dubai Creek.
Efficiency and flexibility
His Highness praised the flexibility of the Agency’s procedures and the ease of service, which, he said, had contributed to the increase in Dubai’s commercial dhow traffic. The number of large dhows received at Dubai Creek Harbour rose to 200, contributing to a growth in sea trade. The increase in cargo results from the cooperation between the Al Wasl Marine office and its strategic partners entrusted with facilitating the issuance of permits and accelerating the entry and exit of commercial dhows.
The efficiency of the process is reflected in the fact that all the necessary procedures and formalities for receiving the dhows are completed 72 hours before the arrival of the ships, including reserving the pier for the docking of the commercial ship. Given this efficiency, the waiting time for the commercial dhows is down from 8-10 hours to just 30 minutes. Thanks to the efforts, nearly 12,000 commercial ships entered and exited Dubai Creek Harbour during the first half of 2022.
Smart systems
His Highness hailed the efforts of the Dubai Customs and PCFC, headed by HE Ahmed Mahboub, Director General of Dubai Customs and CEO of PCFC, for keeping pace with Dubai’s growth and enhancing its status as a city for the future by developing smart customs systems and programmes to cater to the needs of customers anytime anywhere. HH noted that the total weight of exported goods through Dubai Creek during the first nine months of 2022 was 130 million tonnes, over 10% more than the 118 million tonnes exported during the same period last year.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, led by His Excellency Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, has adopted state-of-the-art technology for expediting the pace of transactions and issuance of seafarer permits. About 80,000 seafarers transited through Dubai Creek’s ports during the first half of 2022.
This exceptional growth in trade through wooden ships proves Dubai’s critical role in facilitating global trade and reinforces its status as an international commercial hub. The latest infrastructure upgrade is part of Dubai’s efforts to support trade activity in the emirate to help businesses overcome challenges and boost their revenues. Traders will enjoy an efficient and seamless experience, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a preferred hub for merchants and traders.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
