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On this Page:
- Dubai Banking
and Finance Sector
- Dubai International Finance
Centre
- Dubai Jebel Ali Free Zone
- Dubai Shipping
Dubai's economy is fairly clearly divided
between the 'onshore' sector, dominated by local
business interests, with restrictions on foreign
ownership, and the 'offshore' sector which consists
of the The Jebel Ali Free Zone,
the Dubai Investment Park, Dubai Internet City,
the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC),
the Dubai Airport Free Zone, and Dubai Media City.
There are no taxes to speak of in Dubai, on- or
off-shore, but 100% foreign ownership and customs
privileges make the Free Zone and its successors
some of the most favourable locations in the Middle
East for international operations.
All
business in Dubai is low tax, but in Offshore
Business Review we examine the Free Zone,
the newer DIC and DIFC, shipping and the banking
and finance sector, which are the business
sectors most interesting to international
investors.
For details of taxation of Dubai entities (or
lack of it) see Offshore
Legal and Tax Regimes.
Dubai Banking and Finance Sector
The regulatory authority since 1980 has been
the UAE Central Bank. At the end of 2010 there
were 867 domestic banks, including 732 branches,
23 head offices, 86 pay offices, and 26 electronic
banking services units; and 162 foreign banks
including 83 branches and 28 head offices. Federal
law restricts foreign banks to no more than eight
branches each. There are a number of Islamic banks
in Dubai.
Bank deposits of more than AED651.5 billion
were recorded in the UAE by the Central Bank in
2007. This had increased to more than AED912 billion
by the end of 2008 and over AED982 billion at
the end of 2009. At the end of 2010, bank deposits
of more than AED1,049.6 billion had been recorded
and foreign assets of banks increased by 12.2%
to AED233.5billion.
Most
banks provide trade, project and consumer
financing. Their re-export financing accounts
for a large portion of trade finance, and
this is viewed as having substantial prospects
for growth. Short-term loans (3-6 months)
by commercial banks are offered at current
interest rates. Project loans are given for
five years. Consumer financing is also growing
rapidly. Furthermore, the local banking system
has well established correspondent relationships
with international banks.
Federal
law requires that every commercial bank must
have a paid-up capital of at least AED40 million.
There are few investment or merchant banks
at present.
In
the UAE, the marketing of financial products
and services is regulated by the UAE Central
Bank under Federal Law No. 10 of 1980 (the
Central Bank Law and related banking resolutions).
Enforcement of Central Bank policy, however,
is often undertaken by the local licensing
authorities in the various Emirates.
The
Central Bank Law establishes five principal
categories of institutions in the UAE - commercial
banks, investment banks, financial establishments,
financial intermediaries, and monetary intermediaries
- all of which must be licensed by both the
Central Bank and the local licensing authorities.
In addition to these five categories, current
practice in the individual Emirates permits
the licensing of financial or investment consultants.
These consultants are not required to obtain
a Central Bank license.
Commercial
Banks The Central Bank Law defines a commercial
bank as any establishment which customarily
receives funds from the public, grants credit
and banking facilities, and conducts other
banking operations prescribed for commercial
banks either by law or by customary banking
practice. In the UAE, customary banking practice
includes the marketing and sale of investment
products and services, including the sale
of securities and various funds.
Central bank regulations announced on April 5,
1993, set the minimum capital to risk-weighted
asset ratio at 10%, which is 3% higher than the
minimum level recommended by the Basel III requirement.
The actual asset ratio was recorded to be 16.1%
at the end of 2010.
Investment
Banks Central Bank Resolution No. 21 of
1988 regulates the activities of investment
banks. Investment banks are defined as merchant
or development banks or banks which provide
medium or long term financing. The Central
Bank Resolution authorizes investment banks
in the UAE to offer financial products and
services, including the issuance of financial
instruments and the management of investment
portfolios.
Financial
Establishments The Central Bank Law permits
financial establishments to lend money and
to undertake other financial transactions
but does not allow them to accept deposits.
The Central Bank has adopted a policy that
prohibits financial establishments from offering
financial products and services. In comparison
to commercial banks, the only activity that
financial establishments may undertake which
commercial banks may not is the lease of equipment
and machinery.
Financial
Intermediaries Financial intermediaries
are brokers. Regulations issued under the
UAE Central Bank Law allow licensed brokers
to market and to sell foreign and local shares
and financial instruments in consideration
for a commission. Local and foreign companies
may obtain a brokerage license from the UAE
Central Bank.
Monetary
Intermediaries Monetary intermediaries
are money changers. They are not authorized
to market or to sell investment products and
services.
Investment
Consultants The UAE Central Bank has not
published regulations on investment consultancy.
Under the existing policies of the individual
Emirates, a company licensed as an investment
consultant may advise and assist clients in
pursuing various investment strategies but
may not directly sell investment products.
Sales of investment products introduced by
consultants are, therefore, typically booked
outside the UAE. Consultants are also not
expected to receive investment funds from
clients, although they may assist in the transfer
of those funds. Consultants may not provide
credit facilities or open accounts for clients
but may assist them in opening accounts with
brokers and banks. If properly authorized
by the client, the consultant could also manage
such accounts.
The
UAE Central Bank has moved towards a tighter
policy regarding investment companies and
financial consultants. Such companies will
have to obtain a license from the Central
Bank and to report under the rules it has
established. Investment Companies for the
purpose of these regulations have been defined
as undertakings which are involved in investment
in securities or in the management of trust
funds or investment portfolios on behalf of
others. The minimum paid up capital for investment
companies (including branches of foreign companies
) is AED25 million, increasing to a larger
amount depending on the activities of the
company. Financial consultants, on the other
hand, are deemed to be individual professionals
or groups of professionals providing advice
to individuals or companies about the value
of securities and other financial instruments
or giving recommendation about investing.
For these, licenses can be issued with a minimum
paid in capital of AED1 million.
Many
of the foreign banks in Dubai are established
in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (see below) and
the Dubai International Finance Centre.
Dubai
could be said to be over-banked, and there
is intense competition to offer technologically-advanced
services - services on offer include mobile
phone banking and Internet banking. With plans
underway to develop the UAE as a regional
e-commerce centre and development of the Dubai
Internet City, many banks have developed high-tech
banking products and services.
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Dubai International Financial Centre
During
2002, the Dubai authorities developed plans
for the Dubai International Financial Centre
(DIFC), which was launched in 2003 and began
operations in late 2004.
In
July, 2003, the UAE Federal Cabinet approved
a Federal Decree allowing the DIFC a large
degree of sovereignty. The approval of the
Decree, which allows for Financial Free Zones
to be established in the UAE, marked a significant
step forward for the Centre, which hosted
a summit between the World Bank and the IMF
in September. In July, 2004, the ruler of
Dubai guaranteed the legal independence of
the DIFC, and in September of that year, he
signed a decree formally establishing the
Centre.
By the end of 2010, the number of firms licenced
by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)
to operate in the DIFC had reached 310, comprising
258 authorised firms, 50 ancillary service providers
and two authorised market institutions (Nasdaq-Dubai
and DME).
Asset management companies, banks, and other
financial service providers which establish headquarters
in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
are permitted to do business with locally-based
high net worth individuals but are not allowed
to enter into the retail market in Dubai.
The
DIFC has a separate set of laws called the
Commercial Code, comprising a comprehensive
set of regulations like company law, legislation
on property rights, including laws on security
and collateral, title to goods and securities,
commercial transactions and contracts, and
insolvency.
As
the regulatory authority is a 'one-stop for
everything' regulator, financial institutions
are granted an umbrella licence covering all
services, but with separate permissions for
discrete activities such as wholesale banking,
asset management, insurance, re-insurance,
securities underwriting, broking, dealing,
corporate finance advice, investment advice,
derivatives trading, etc.
The
regulatory authority issued rules to prevent
money laundering, requiring a licensed institution
in DIFC to appoint an appropriately qualified
money laundering reporting officer.
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)
has created a number of laws and amendments since
2004 which are available on the DFSA website.
These include:
Regulatory
Law;
Companies Law*;
Law on the Application of Civil and Commercial
Laws in the DIFC;
Law Relating to the application of DIFC Laws;
Limited Liability Partnership Law;
Contract Law;
Insolvency Law;
Arbitration Law;
Data Protection Law;
Commercial Court Law;
General Partnership Law; and
Markets Law.
*This
was updated in 2006; more details can be found
here.
In
January 2006, The National Investor (TNI)
became the first bank based in the United
Arab Emirates obtain a licence to operate
as an authorised firm from the Dubai International
Finance Centre (DIFC).
Also
in January of that year, the Dubai International
Financial Centre Authority published for comment
draft legislation outlining the Limited Partnership
Law, and the Limited Partnership Regulations,
which are aimed primarily at establishing
a purpose-built vehicle for the formation
and operation of fund management activities
in the DIFC.
The
Limited Partnership Law deals with matters
such as formation and registration of a limited
partnership, rights and obligations of general
and limited partners, dissolution of the limited
partnership and migration of limited partnerships
to and from the DIFC. The regulations provide
the details of the process for registration
and operating a limited partnership in the
DIFC.
The
Limited Partnership Law follows the enactment
in 2004 of the Companies Law, the General
Partnership Law and the Limited Liability
Partnership Law to further extend the range
of the company formation offering of the DIFC
in accordance with international best practices.
In
April 2006, the Dubai International Financial
Centre Authority announced the launch of a
subsidiary called DIFC Investments (Company)
LLC, which undertakes all non-public administration
activities previously carried out by DIFC
Authority.
This
includes all commercial and other activities,
such as the operation and management of any
current and future subsidiaries, the development
of the centre’s investment strategy
and relevant policies, and any other strategic
investments or alliances which will further
the goals and objectives of the Dubai International
Financial Centre and contribute to the fulfillment
of the Centre’s vision.
In
May 2006, the DIFC announced that a new Board
of Directors of the DIFC Authority had been
appointed. The previous Board was stepping
down on schedule following its success in
overseeing the creation and initial operational
period of the DIFC.
In
August 2006, the first hedge fund to be domiciled
in the Dubai International Financial Centre
(DIFC) was launched by Argent Financial Group
LLP, an independent investment management
company with operations in the US and Bermuda.
The
Constans Crescent Investment Fund is one of
the first hedge funds focused on investment
opportunities in the “Crescent Belt”
of Islamic countries stretching between Morocco
and Pakistan, including the GCC and North
Africa, and the fund primarily invests in
local public equities across these markets.
In
April 2007, the Dubai International Financial
Centre (DIFC) held an official inauguration
ceremony for the DIFC Courts, an independent
judicial system which deals with matters arising
from and within the DIFC, and which is expected
to raise the bar of legal standards within
the region.
The
Real Property Law, enacted in June 2007, guarantees
ownership of freehold land and buildings,
and other interest in land, within the DIFC.
The Law is based on the underlying principles
of English common law, but also incorporates
the Torrens system of land registration, well
known in countries such as Australia, New
Zealand, Canada and Singapore.
Under
the Real Property Law, land transactions are
registered in a central register administered
in the DIFC. Once registered, the Law certifies
them to be fully effective. Unlike some other
systems of land registration, title interests
registered under the Real Property Law are
“indefeasible”. In practical terms,
this means that persons buying real estate
in the DIFC, lending on the security of real
estate in the DIFC, or taking a lease of real
estate in the DIFC, can be assured that their
investment is backed by the full protection
of the Law.
In 2008, the DIFC updated its arbitration law
(DIFC
arbitration law (DIFC Law No. 1 of 2008)), and
proposed new revisions to its company and issued
public consultations on proposed revisions to
the Companied Law and Insolvency Law. New regulations
that enable companies within the financial district
to quickly form Special Purpose Company (SPC)
structures were also announced in 2008.
Back to top
Dubai International Finance Exchange
The
Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX)
opened for trading for the first time on Monday
26th September, 2005.
The
launch of the first truly international stock
exchange located between Western Europe and
East Asia took place at a ceremony at the
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC),
where the DIFX is located.
The
stated aim of the DIFX was to become the leading
exchange in its region for equities, bonds,
funds, Islamic products and other securities,
and a gateway for international and regional
investment.
It
is the first exchange in the region that has
been created to list securities from many
different countries. UAE companies are able
to list shares on the DIFX by setting up a
holding company in the DIFC. Companies seeking
listings on the exchange must have a minimum
market capitalisation of USD50 million.
The exchange is additionally regulated in such
a way as to allow companies which list on it to
determine the portion of shares that they want
to offer to the investing public. The current
UAE lower listing limit is 25%.
A
UAE federal bylaw passed in August 2007 permits
DIFC holding companies to own companies operating
in the UAE - provided that the holding companies
abide by UAE Commercial Companies Law, including
the requirement that no less than 51% of a
UAE company remains UAE or GCC national-owned.
The DIFX market opened with the listing of five
Deutsche Bank securities. These are index tracking
certificates, which cover the US S&P 500,
the German DAX 30, the Japanese Nikkei 225, the
EuroStoxx 50 and the Stoxx 50.
The
DIFX opened with four member banks –
CSFB ( Europe) Ltd, Deutsche Bank AG, HSBC
Bank plc and UBS AG. In 2007, it had 19 member
banks.
In
June 2006, the Dubai Financial Services Authority
amended the rules which apply to sponsors
of Reporting Entities which have listed securities
on the Dubai International Financial Exchange.
The
rule change now provides the DFSA with the
discretion to require a company listing securities
on the DIFX to appoint a compliance adviser
to assist it with ongoing obligations under
the DIFC Markets Law and Offered Securities
Rules.
One
of the primary obligations of a Reporting
Entity is the requirement to continuously
disclose price sensitive information to the
market, in a timely manner.
In
August 2006, a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) was signed between Bahrain Stock Exchange
(BSE) and Dubai International Financial Exchange
(DIFX) to develop and strengthen capital markets
activity in the region.
The
MoU aimed at strengthening and increasing
cooperation between both parties in areas
relating to exchange of expertise and information.
In December 2006, it emerged that the Dubai
International Financial Exchange (DIFX) had
been accepted as a correspondent member of
the World Federation of Exchanges, the leading
international body promoting the interests
of securities markets.
Correspondent
status is the first step towards full membership
of the Federation, which groups most of the
world’s leading exchanges. The Federation’s
activities include lobbying public authorities
on behalf of exchanges, hosting conferences
and collating industry statistics.
In
June 2006 the DIFX was admitted as an affiliate
member of the International Organisation of
Securities Commissions (IOSCO), another leading
international body that promotes high standards
amongst regulators and stock exchanges.
In
August 2007, the Dubai Government announced
the consolidation of its holdings in the Dubai
Financial Market (DFM) and Dubai International
Financial Exchange (DIFX) into a new holding
company, Borse Dubai.
The
government stated at the time that the move
was in line with the Dubai Strategic Plan
2015, and demonstrated its commitment to position
Dubai as the leading capital market in the
region.
DIFX
and DFM continue to be regulated by the Dubai
Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and the
Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority
(ESCA) respectively.
Explaining
the role of Borse Dubai within the new structure,
DFM Chairman Essa Kazim, who was appointed
as the Chairman of Borse Dubai, said that
the company is intended to be a facilitator,
allowing DIFX and DFM to explore joint opportunities
for the development of capital markets in
the region and in the broader context of global
exchanges. He commented at the time of the
annoucement that:
"Both
exchanges will share best practices, maintaining
operational efficiency at international standards.
Borse Dubai will boost confidence among issuers,
investors, and intermediaries who will benefit
from a presence in both exchanges, as well
as a broader and more varied range of services."
The
DIFX has ambitions to become the exchange
of choice for the listing of Islamic finance
instruments, and took major steps towards
this goal with the listing of over 100 Sukuks,
or Islamic bonds, in 2007. In fact, as 2007
drew to a close, the DIFX was already the
largest exchange in the world for Sukuk by
listed value, at USD13.78 billion.
In
October 2007, the DIFX announced that it was
preparing to list a range of Islamic structured
products that will offer investors new Shariah-compliant
opportunities on a new platform known as TraX.
The
DIFX rebranded its market as NASDAQ Dubai,
effective from November 18, 2008. NASDAQ OMX
Group, the world's largest exchange company,
also listed its shares on NASDAQ Dubai on
November 20.
Both
moves reflect the growing links between NASDAQ
OMX Group and NASDAQ Dubai, as well as the
growth of Dubai as an international financial
centre.
Soud
Ba'alawy, Chairman of NASDAQ Dubai and a Director
of NASDAQ OMX Group, said, "As the international
stock exchange serving this region, NASDAQ
Dubai acts as a capital markets gateway for
investors all over the world, including and
especially in this region. NASDAQ Dubai's
growing ties to NASDAQ OMX exchanges in the
US and Europe in listings, marketing, technology,
and management expertise will support its
continuing expansion."
NASDAQ
OMX acquired a one-third stake in NASDAQ Dubai
in February 2008. The other two-thirds is
owned by Borse Dubai.
2010 was a successful year for the DIFX; although
volumes and the number of trades were down by
15% and 24.9% respectively, the value of trades
increased by 22% to USD1.31 billion. Eight brokers
joined NASDAQ Dubai in 2010, bringing the total
number of members to 35.
Back to top
Dubai The Jebel Ali Free Zone
The
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ) was established
in 1985 with the specific purpose of facilitating
investment. Accordingly, the procedures for
setting up in the zone are relatively simple.
Its legal status is quite distinct: companies
operating there are treated as being "offshore",
or outside the UAE for legal purposes.
The
option of setting up in Jebel Ali is therefore
most suitable for companies intending to use
Dubai as a regional manufacturing or distribution
base and where most or all of their turnover
is going to be outside the UAE.
100%
foreign ownership is permitted in the JAFZ.
There is exemption from all import duties
and 100% repatriation of capital and profits
is guaranteed.
There
is freedom from corporate taxation for a period
of 50 years, a concession which is renewable.
There is a high level of administrative support
from the Free Zone Authority. In addition,
there are no import or re-export duties,
no personal income taxes, no currency restrictions,
and no restriction on hiring foreign employees.
Companies approved for operation in Jebel Ali
Free Zone are granted one of the following types
of licences, renewable annually for as long as
the company holds a valid lease from the Free
Zone Authority:
-
A
General Trading Licence allows the holder
to import, distribute and store all items
as per Jafza rules and regulations.
-
A
Trading Licence allows the holder to import,
export, distribute and store items specified
on the licence.
-
An
Industrial Licence allows the holder to
import raw materials, carry out the manufacture
of specified products and export the finished
product to anycountry.
-
A
Service Licence allows the holder to carry
out the services specified in the licence
within the Free Zone. The type of service
must conform to the parent company's licence,
issued by the Economic Department or Municipality
of the relevant Emirate in the UAE.
-
A
National Industrial Licence is designed
for manufacturing companies with an ownership
or shareholding of at least 51% AGCC (Arabian
Gulf Co-operation Council).
Companies
holding a Free Zone licence are permitted
to operate in the Jebel Ali Free Zone and
outside the UAE. Operation within the UAE
can be undertaken either by a commercial agent,
representative, distributor, or the mother
company licensed by the relevant UAE authority.
Any company holding a Free Zone licence can
itself purchase goods or services within the
UAE.
Any
company wishing to set up a project in Jebel
Ali Free Zone must first complete a simple
questionnaire. The license application process
then takes place and will include a meeting
to discuss and finalise the project details.
If everything is satisfactory, the Authority
will issue conditional approval for the project.
Thereafter, a lease agreement and, if required,
a personnel secondment agreement will be prepared
by the Authority for signature by the company.
At
the time of signing, the applicant will be
required to provide the insurance policies
called for in the agreements and should pay
the agreed rental and licence fee prior to
collection of the licence.
If
the company wishes the Free Zone Authority
to sponsor employees on its behalf, applications
for entry permits may be submitted once the
licence has been issued. The bank guarantee
called for in the personnel secondment agreement
will be required at this stage together with
visa charges.
If
the company's project involves the erection
of a structure, detailed plans must be submitted
after the lease has been signed. When the
plans have been agreed, a building permit
will be issued.
Administrative
work, such as importing equipment or engaging
labour for installation of equipment, may
proceed in parallel with construction work.
But application for entry permits for operatives
to be sponsored by the Free Zone Authority
will not normally be accepted until a completion
certificate for the construction has been
issued.
A
Free Zone Establishment - or FZE - is an establishment
formed and registered in Jebel Ali and regulated
solely by the Free Zone Authority.
Such
establishments must have a capital of at least
AED 1 million and liability will be limited
to the amount of paid-up capital. A FZE need
only have a single shareholder and is an independent
legal entity.
Any
company, organisation or individual wishing
to form a Free Zone Establishment must submit
a completed application form to the FZE Department
of the Free Zone Authority. A decision on
whether permission has been granted will be
given within 30 days of receipt of the application
and any other information and documentation
required.
If
permission is granted, the Authority will
record all relevant details in the FZE Register
and issue a Certificate of Formation. This
will specify the date of registration after
which the FZE will be free to conduct any
such business as is permitted in its Special
Licence.
The
free zone is the base for thousands of leading
international firms, including many Fortune
global companies from various sectors.
The
Free Zone and Dubai Ports Authority (DPA)
are inextricably linked, they are led by one
chairman and share a strong, symbiotic relationship.
The Free Zone is built around the DPA's Jebel
Ali terminal, enabling customers to take full
advantage of the port's ISO-certified container
and general cargo operations. Specialized
unloading facilities and purpose-built storage
such as the cool and cold stores are also
at the disposal of Free Zone companies. Jebel
Ali terminal offers efficient cargo handling,
and with rates among the lowest in the world,
the prospect for exporting is good.
In
February 2000 Dubai ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin
Rashid al-Maktoum issued a decree setting
up a free-trade zone for electronic commerce
and technology, known as Dubai
Internet City.
Legal
and fiscal privileges in the DIC are similar
to those applying in the Free Zone.
The
physical location of the Internet City is
on Sheikh Zayed Road, next to the American
University.This area overlooks the Emirates
hills golf course development. The City opened
for business in late 2000; highlights include:
- World
class technical infrastructure: high bandwidth,
low cost telecom infrastructure and secure,
high speed support infrastructure;
-
State-of-the-art urban infrastructure:
cost competitive, flexible office space
and world class housing, medical and education
facilities;
-
Access to talent pool: large pool of high
skill, low cost knowledge workers;
Straight-forward laws and regulations:
easy and fast company registration laws,
hassle-free immigration process and straight
forward legal procedures;
-
Supportive environment: Government backed
e-business initiatives, business incubators,
venture capital funds and e-education
programs;
Gateway to markets: access to regional
markets in Middle East, North Africa,
Indian Subcontinent and CIS.
In
line with Dubai's liberal economic policies
and regulations, Dubai Internet City offers
foreign companies 100% tax-free ownership,
100% repatriation of capital and profits,
no currency restrictions, easy registration
and licensing, stringent cyber regulations,
protection of intellectual property.
Back to top
Dubai
Shipping
Dubai's
harbour is the most important port in the
Middle East and is ranked among the worlds
top 15 in terms of container throughput.
The
Dubai Ports Authority (DPA) operates the harbour
which lies alongside the Jebel Ali Free Zone.
Dubai's traditional trade links with nearby
Gulf states, Red Sea, East Africa and Asian
subcontinent have been enhanced by new commercial
ties from around the world. Notable in recent
years have been trade relations forged with
the emerging CIS and South African markets
where shippers are keen to capitalize on Dubai's
proven distribution capabilities and advantages.
Dubai
Ports Authority (DP World) is known for
its ability to provide a superior level
of service to shipping lines in Dubai.
Core Services offered by DP World include:
-
Container
cargo handling
-
General
cargo handling
-
Bulk
cargo handling
-
Berthing
for Ro/Ro vessels
-
Monitoring,
maintenance and repair of reefer vessels
-
Facilities
for commercial trucks
-
Facilities
for passengers.
The
Port also has a tanker facility, can undertake
container repairs, offers a modern expressway
system linking Jebel Ali terminal and Dubai
International Airport’s Cargo Village,
and provides a full range of Supply Chain and
Logistics services including Customs Clearance,
Import & Export Freight Management and Stock
Control.
In
2004, the port handled a throughput of 6.42
million TEUs ("Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit"
steel ocean shipping containers), representing
an increase of 24.6% on its 2003 figures, and
making it the 10th largest but also the third
fastest growing port.
Also
in 2004, Dubai Ports signed a memorandum of
understanding with Abu Dhabi Sea Port Authority
and Ports Authority of Fujairah to develop joint
strategies for both the ports authorities.
In
September 2006, DP World became the first global
company in the transport and logistics industry
to gain certification to an international standard
for its security management systems and operations.
Lloyds
Register Quality Assurance (LRQA), an independent
international certification body, audited DP
World for compliance with the international
standard ISO/PAS 28000:2005 at both the corporate
head office in Dubai, UAE, and its chosen site,
Djibouti Container Terminal.
As
a consequence of DP World’s adoption and
implementation of the standard, its network
of ports has the ability to effectively implement
mechanisms and processes to address any security
vulnerabilities at strategic and operational
levels, as well as establish preventive action
plans.
Meanwhile, in August 2005, the Dubai Maritime
Authority announced plans to launch the first
shipping registry in the Middle East open to both
domestic and international companies. The move
was welcomed by the Emirate's shipping industry.
Dubai Maritime City project manager, Amr Ali explained
that: "The primary function of the registry
will be to maintain the specific requirements
of the government related to the ship owning company
or the ship itself."
"As
the first purpose built maritime cluster, we
are pleased to be involved in the setting of
groundbreaking new industry standards to benefit
maritime businesses in the region. We aim to
ensure that the highest possible standards are
maintained to make it attractive for ship owners
and liner operators to register with us."
Dubai Maritime City is an integrated state of
the art development that provides every element
of infrastructure required by key marine and
maritime related industries.
DMC is the world's largest maritime development,
on a man made peninsula measuring 25 million square
feet. Located between Dubai's Port Rashid terminal
and Dubai Drydocks, it is connected to the mainland
by a causeway. Phase I has been completed with
the construction of 96 units of different sizes,
some of which are already occupied by major maritime
companies. DMC is expected to be fully operational
by 2012.
Dubai Maritime City is be the hub for maritime
businesses from six large and diverse sectors
and will provide every element of infrastructure
required by them. They include:
- Marine
Services
- Management
- Product
Marketing
- Research
& Education
- Recreation
- Ship
Design and Manufacturing
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