Dubai Maritime Authority Achieves Exceptional Performance Results For 2024

The Dubai Maritime Authority has reported outstanding achievements for 2024, exceeding expectations in various maritime sector metrics. This success reinforces Dubai's position as a leader in maritime innovation and sustainability. The authority is part of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, which plays a crucial role in this progress.

Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, CEO of the Dubai Maritime Authority, highlighted that the 2024 results are pivotal for Dubai's global maritime leadership journey. He noted that these outcomes demonstrate the authority's unwavering commitment to developing top-tier maritime infrastructure, enhancing safety, fostering innovation and sustainability, and launching impactful initiatives aligned with Dubai's vision of becoming a premier global maritime centre.

According to Sheikh Dr. Saeed Al Maktoum, there was a notable rise in registered marine vessels in 2024, reaching 7,738 — a 14.4 percent increase from 2023. Additionally, certified marine crew members grew by 22.8 percent to 12,226. These figures reflect investor and operator confidence in Dubai's advanced maritime ecosystem.

The number of permits issued for offshore maritime services also surged significantly to 18,058, marking a 35.3 percent increase from the previous year. These permits covered activities such as fueling operations, operational licences, anchoring and berthing permits. Furthermore, marina berths across the Emirate increased to 4,151 across 19 marinas.

The CEO also pointed out an increase in foreign yacht visits from 68 in 2023 to 89 in 2024. This growth was driven by streamlined procedures, diverse luxury marina services, and the Golden Visa initiative for mega yacht owners — a move well-received by the international yachting community.

In support of safety and compliance goals, three key regulatory decisions were adopted in 2024: mandatory technical inspections for marine vessels, safe manning guidelines, and crew licensing regulations. A project was also launched to install mandatory tracking devices on recreational jet skis and introduced a two-year registration option for jet ski owners.

Sustainability Initiatives

In line with sustainability objectives, Phase I of the Dubai Reef project was launched — one of the region's largest artificial reef initiatives — in partnership with the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation. This project aims to enhance marine biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

The authority accelerated digital transformation efforts by enhancing its "Rosoom" payment gateway for seamless electronic transactions. It also launched the Smart Sailing Permit with Dubai Police and expanded services through WhatsApp and self-service kiosks to improve service delivery efficiency.

Global Recognition

These efforts led to Dubai being ranked first in the Arab world and eleventh globally in the 2024 Leading Maritime Cities report. Published by Baltic Exchange with Xinhua's collaboration — a subsidiary of China's Economic Information Service — this report confirms Dubai's status as a Middle Eastern maritime powerhouse with ambitions for further growth.

With inputs from WAM