Two years after the establishment of the Marine Agency for Wooden Dhows to restore and regulate the use of dhows to make Dubai a regional hub for these historic merchant ships, the emirate has seen steady growth in the dhow trade.
The Marine Agency for Wooden Dhows, established in July 2020 by Dubai’s Ports, Customs and Free Zones Corporation (PCFC), facilitated the entry of more than 6,000 wooden dhows during the first half of 2022, which That reflects a 21 percent year-on-year growth. .
PCFC Chairman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem noted that the Marine Agency monitored the movement of 6,052 timber doses during the first half of 2022, bringing over 1 million metric tons from countries in the MENA region and beyond. Delivered merchandise. He said the agency is committed to keeping pace with the UAE’s vision to revitalize dhow use and cement Dubai’s position as a regional hub on the dhow trade map.
Bin Saleem highlighted that Dubai’s three ports – Dubai Creek, Dera Harbor and Al Hamriyah Port – play a key role in making the emirate a regional hub for dows. He said that the Marine Agency for Wooden Dhows, which is exclusively responsible for regulating the activities of wooden dhow vessels in Dubai’s waters, has developed procedures for docking, departure and cargo clearance of ships in Dubai. Made the car easier and faster.
The agency also cooperates with other government agencies to manage all aspects of maritime safety of wooden ships and to protect the rights and interests of seafarers working on them. The agency provides several commercial options for ships, such as facilitating long-term contracts for their services and protecting their cargo from damage during loading and unloading operations at Dubai ports.
Bin Salim said the agency aims to promote commercial dhow traffic and further streamline procedures for local and foreign traders to directly access the local market. He added that the agency intends to continue dhow trade by regulating and developing dhow operations and ensuring maritime safety in cooperation with other relevant agencies.
