Dubai has cemented its reputation as a premier global maritime hub, ranking fifth worldwide and first in the Arab region in the 2025 International Shipping Centre Development Index. The authoritative report, jointly issued by Xinhua News Agency and the Baltic Exchange, praises Dubai as “the crown jewel of the Middle East’s maritime sector.” The achievement underscores the emirate’s strategic investments in infrastructure, sustainability, and innovation, reinforcing its role as a vital gateway for global trade and shipping.
Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, CEO of the Dubai Maritime Authority, hailed the ranking as a reflection of the visionary leadership and effective collaboration between government bodies and private sector maritime companies. He emphasized Dubai’s commitment to continuous development, delivering world-class services, adopting global best practices, and implementing innovative solutions to foster a sustainable and efficient maritime ecosystem.
The report highlights Dubai’s diverse maritime ecosystem, covering navigation services, shipbuilding, repair, and an ever-growing capacity to handle global vessel traffic. A key focus is the Dubai Maritime Transport Plan 2030, aligned with the broader Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to expand marine transport usage, enhance the regional marine network, and develop Dubai Maritime City as a future-focused industry hub.
Jebel Ali Port, the region’s strategic shipping gateway, earned special mention for its ongoing investments in infrastructure and service enhancements. In 2024 alone, Jebel Ali Port handled 15.5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units)—the highest throughput since 2015—and accounted for 18% of the total 88.3 million TEUs managed by DP World, the port’s operator.
On sustainability, the report underscored Jebel Ali Port’s significant efforts to reduce environmental impact. Noteworthy initiatives include providing biofuel for ships, installing over 50,000 m² of solar panels to generate renewable energy, and deploying electric vehicles for container handling. These measures contribute to reducing annual CO₂ emissions by 2,000 tons, aligning the port with global environmental standards.
Captain Ibrahim Al Blooshi, Executive Director of Dubai Ports Authority, reaffirmed the emirate’s dedication to strengthening its position in the global maritime industry despite global economic challenges. He emphasized that the three key ports—Jebel Ali, Port Rashid, and Hamriyah—operate in concert to support the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, with a steadfast focus on sustainability, safety, and operational excellence.
