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Dubai opens logistics corridor

DUBAI -- Dubai, home to the biggest port in the Middle East, on Monday opened the Dubai logistics corridor, a new landmark in the emirate's fast-track growth as a global trade and transshipment hub.

The new facility links Jebel Ali Port and Jebel Ali Free Zone with Dubai World Central- Al Maktoum International Airport to facilitate a smoother and more efficient cargo traffic interconnecting the sea, air and land.

Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, inaugurated the world class multi-modal logistics platform spread out over an area of 200 square kilometres.

International business and cargo community welcomed the opening of the logistics corridor as a new chapter in Dubai's modern growth history as global trade hub. It will enable increased and more efficient trade flows in the emirate, significantly enhancing the economic competitiveness of Dubai and the UAE as a whole, they said.

The corridor interconnects Jebel Ali Port, the sixth-largest container port in the world; Jebel Ali Free Zone , host to more than 6,500 companies; and Dubai World Central, home to Al Maktoum International Airport , which, upon completion, will be the world's largest airport in both size and volume.

The multi-modal logistics platform underscores Dubai's long-term commitment to facilitating the growth and development of regional and global commerce. "Its opening is a milestone event," declared Shaikh Ahmed. "Building upon our existing world class infrastructure, the Dubai Logistics Corridor will further increase Dubai competitiveness as a global logistics hub," he said.

Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said the launch of the Dubai logistics corridor demonstrated Dubai's focus on creating synergies that enhance the flow of goods and services within the emirate and across the world. "This is another important step in fulfilling Dubai's vision to assume a leading position in the network of global logistics hubs," said Al Zaffin.

Salma Hareb, Chief Executive Officer, Economic Zones World, and Chairman of the Board, Dubai Logistics Corridor, said the corridor bridges and leverages the strengths of Dubai's major logistics enablers. "What makes this initiative truly ambitious is that it aligns various organisations, people, processes, services, standards and systems to create the region's largest and finest logistics hub."

"With this new facility, there would be a significant improvement in the flow of sea-to-air cargo by eliminating the processes of exit and entry from one zone to another. Additionally, there will be a potential elimination of double Customs inspection. This is just one step forward, and our plan remains to further integrate, ultimately resulting in the greatest possible efficiency," said Hareb.

Rashed Buqara'a, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said the facility complements perfectly Dubai World Central's drive to deliver speed and connectivity. "Cities with greater logistics capabilities attract more foreign direct investment," he noted.

"With the launch of the Dubai Logistics Corridor, and as a consequence of creating a unique multi-modal platform, Dubai will attract even higher levels of foreign investment," he said.

"The Dubai Logistics Corridor board structure and framework allow for sustainability, project development and engagement with stakeholders such as Dubai Customs, Dubai Airports and DP World. Together, we will provide customers with seamless, fast-cycle logistics solutions," said Buqara'a.

By Issac John

© Khaleej Times 2010