Marine Agency For Wooden Dhows Facilitates Entry Of 3,000 Ships In Early 2024, Strengthening Dubai’s Trade

In a significant development for Dubai's maritime sector, the Marine Agency for Wooden Dhows has reported the successful facilitation of approximately 3,000 wooden ships during the first quarter of 2024. These vessels transported over 390,000 metric tonnes of various materials and food items through key ports including Al Hamriya Port, Deira Wharfage, and Dubai Creek. This achievement underscores the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation's (PCFC) dedication to bolstering Dubai's position as a premier global maritime commercial hub.

The agency has also geared up for the influx of Eid Al-Fitr goods, having started preparations at the onset of Ramadan to ensure timely and efficient delivery to markets. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of PCFC, highlighted this accomplishment as a testament to the organization's efforts towards realizing the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. The agenda aims to double Dubai's economy in the next decade and solidify its standing among the top three global cities for commerce.

Bin Sulayem pointed out the continuous growth in trade activity involving wooden ships as a reflection of Dubai's expanding role in global trade across diverse sectors. He emphasized the record-breaking achievements in imports and exports that Dubai has witnessed year after year, attributing this success to the proactive measures taken by PCFC and specifically, the Marine Agency for Wooden Dhows.

The agency has streamlined procedures for the entry and exit of wooden ships through Dubai's ports, ensuring efficient berth reservation processes and facilitating export and import activities. It also focuses on safeguarding sailors' interests by ensuring their safety and meeting their needs during their stay in Dubai. This customer-centric approach aligns with government initiatives aimed at providing high-quality services across various economic sectors.

Collaborating with key partners such as the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Dubai Customs, DP World, and shipping and clearing companies, the Marine Agency for Wooden Dhows has introduced several initiatives to enhance operational efficiency. These initiatives include regulating the entry and exit of wooden ships and streamlining clearance processes.

Since early 2024, the quantity of food supplies transported through Al Hamriya Port has exceeded 140,000 metric tonnes, including around 220,000 livestock and sheep. The agency has also made strides in digital innovation with the launch of the ‘NAU’ smart application. This tool fully digitizes trade processes for traditional wooden ships by leveraging artificial intelligence to improve voyage planning and maximize ship space utilization, thereby smoothing procedures and boosting revenue.

This series of achievements not only demonstrates PCFC's commitment to enhancing Dubai's maritime trade but also positions the city as a dynamic player in global commerce. Through strategic initiatives and technological advancements like the ‘NAU’ application, Dubai continues to strengthen its maritime sector, offering efficient and innovative solutions to traders and ship owners alike.

With inputs from WAM