Dubai retains rank among world's top five shipping centers

Dubai has retained its position as the only city in the Middle East to rank among the world's top five destinations for maritime industry for the third consecutive year, according to a global shipping industry index.

The latest recognition once again underscores the competitiveness, attractiveness and inclusiveness of Dubai's local maritime environment, which can be compared to the best in the world.

The International Shipping Centre Development (ISCD) Index ranked Dubai ahead of Rotterdam, Hamburg, Athens, New York, New Jersey and Tokyo.

Singapore has retained the top spot as international shipping centre for the seventh consecutive year.

Singapore maintained its position as the most important shipping hub in the Asia-Pacific region, ranking first for seven consecutive years with its advantages of geographical location, shipping industry ecosystem and supportive government policies, Lu said at a virtual press briefing.

"For the third year in a row, Dubai has succeeded to maintain its position among the world's top five destinations for maritime shipping. The latest accolade is the outcome of the unwavering support provided by the wise leadership, in addition to the joint efforts undertaken by the public and private sectors to enhance the components of the maritime sector, to match the best in the world," said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone and Chairman, Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA).

In a report that was recently issued by Baltic Exchange, and Xinhua, Dubai's continuing status as a global hub for maritime shipping and logistics was revealed.

"Further inspired by this newest achievement, DMCA will continue to enhance Dubai's competitiveness on the global shipping landscape, 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, led by our comprehensive strategies to establish an attractive legislative and legal structure and further develop shipping operations, ports and marine support services and operations and maintenance of ships, taking advantage of technological developments, innovation and research," said Sulayem.

He said while outperforming other leading global maritime capitals such as Rotterdam, Tokyo and Hamburg, Dubai's maritime industry has also become the first in the Arab world to accomplish this achievement.

"This milestone reflects the success of well-defined strategies that are aimed at constantly enhancing operational efficiency and safety. The modern ports with high absorptive capacity emerge as an important competitive advantage and a fundamental pillar for attracting marine investments to the emirate, which is today considered one of the most important business centers in the world," said Sulayem.