Dubai, December 23, 2023 – The Marine Agency for Wooden Dhows, operating under the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), has achieved a significant milestone by facilitating the entry of approximately 11,000 wooden ships (dhows) in 2023, transporting over 1.3 metric tonnes (MT) of cargo. This accomplishment underscores the robust efforts of the PCFC in fortifying Dubai’s status as a premier global maritime commercial center.
H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the PCFC, emphasized the pivotal role played by the PCFC in advancing trade and business in Dubai. He highlighted the strategic positioning of the emirate as a major regional and global commercial hub, attracting trade across diverse sectors through its various ports. The Marine Agency for Wooden Dhows aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aiming to double the emirate’s GDP and consolidate its status as a top-tier global economic center.
H.E. bin Sulayem explained, “The Marine Agency for Wooden Dhows is instrumental in streamlining entry and exit processes for wooden ships, actively engaged in implementing initiatives to expedite clearances. Collaborating with key partners and authorities, our efforts are geared towards delivering world-class services and contributing to Dubai’s economic growth.”
The agency, led by His Excellency Mahmoud Amin Khoory, CEO of the Marine Agency for Wooden Dhows, achieved a significant success in reducing the time required for loading and completing ship procedures from 40 days to around three days. This accomplishment played a pivotal role in the 10% increase in the number of ships entering Dubai compared to the previous year.
Khoory highlighted the agency’s commitment to enhancing efficiency, stating, “To streamline the movement of wooden dhows, we have substantially reduced waiting times for sailing outside the emirate. The waiting period, once 8-10 hours, has been cut down to just 30 minutes. This has significantly increased the flow of wooden dhows, eliminating extended waiting periods and allowing for multiple trips, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global trade hub.”
The CEO further emphasized the agency’s dedication to ensuring the smooth movement of dhows at key locations such as Dubai Creek, Deira Wharfage, and Al Hamriya Port. The agency is actively working on streamlining berth reservation procedures and providing proactive notifications to sailors for the smooth export or import of goods.
In line with the leadership’s directives, Khoory stressed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of wooden ships within Dubai, including the safety and well-being of seafarers. These efforts aim to foster customer happiness and loyalty, reflecting the agency’s dedication to excellence in maritime services. The success of the Marine Agency for Wooden Dhows in 2023 underscores its pivotal role in contributing to Dubai’s maritime prominence and economic growth.
