The Dubai Maritime Authority, part of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, continues to develop an integrated maritime ecosystem that enhances navigational safety, improves the efficiency of marine services and operations, and supports the advancement of the sector’s regulatory environment in line with the rapid growth of maritime activities and services across the emirate.

This development reflects the increasingly prominent position of Dubai’s maritime sector, supported by the diversity of its components, the expanding base of users, and modern infrastructure that strengthens its ability to accommodate further activities and investment.

The latest indicators show that 8,415 marine vessels are registered with the Dubai Maritime Authority, alongside more than 14,000 maritime companies. Users of the sector represent 116 nationalities from around the world, with British nationals topping the list.

Maritime Infrastructure Supporting Growth

Dubai’s maritime sector is supported by advanced infrastructure that includes 20 marinas and 4,214 marine berths, helping sustain growth and increase the sector’s readiness to meet rising demand for maritime activities and services.

This infrastructure supports the sector’s various components, from recreational and tourism vessels to commercial activities and marine transport services, while also providing a more efficient operating environment for investors, operators, and users.

Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Dubai Maritime Authority, emphasized that developing the maritime sector represents a key pillar in Dubai’s efforts to strengthen the blue economy and reinforce its global presence across different areas of maritime activities and services.

He said: “We continue to develop an integrated maritime ecosystem based on the highest standards of regulation and safety, in a way that enhances Dubai’s competitiveness and reinforces its position as a global maritime destination. We are working to provide an advanced regulatory environment that supports the various components of the sector, responds to the needs of its users, and improves the efficiency of maritime operations and services in accordance with global best practices.”

He added: “The growth indicators recorded by the maritime sector reflect Dubai’s increasing attractiveness to customers, investors, and marine vessel operators from around the world. They also confirm the efficiency of its infrastructure and its ability to accommodate future expansion, supporting the emirate’s objectives of building a more competitive and sustainable maritime sector.”

Comprehensive Regulation of Dubai’s Maritime Sector

The Dubai Maritime Authority is responsible for regulating the sector and maritime activities within its jurisdiction across the waters of the Emirate of Dubai, along the emirate’s coastline of approximately 72 kilometers, and extending to its exclusive economic waters.

The authority continuously works to develop regulatory frameworks, systems, and services that help ensure navigational safety, improve the efficiency of operations, and enhance the experience of users across the maritime sector.

This regulatory role forms part of ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of Dubai’s maritime environment and provide a regulatory ecosystem that keeps pace with the growth taking place across the emirate.

8,415 Marine Vessels Registered in Dubai

Dubai’s maritime ecosystem includes a wide range of marine vessels, including motorized leisure boats, water sports vessels, tourism and commercial vessels, mass marine transport vessels, floating restaurants, and other categories.

Motorized leisure boats lead the list of registered vessels with 3,269 boats, followed by 2,377 water sports vessels and 1,064 tourism vessels.

The sector also includes 897 commercial marine vessels designated for water sports and 224 vessels used for mass marine transport, in addition to other marine vessels registered under various categories.

These figures highlight the diversity of maritime activities in Dubai and the emirate’s growing appeal as a destination for users and operators from around the world.

87 Floating Restaurants in Dubai Waters

The Dubai Maritime Authority has registered 58 wooden floating restaurants and 29 non-wooden floating restaurants, bringing the total to 87 floating restaurants operating in Dubai waters, with a combined capacity of 9,600 guests.

Floating restaurants are generally active near some of the emirate’s most prominent waterfront destinations and marine landmarks, with the largest concentrations found in Dubai Marina, Dubai Creek, Dubai Harbour, and Al Jaddaf Waterfront.

This activity highlights another aspect of the diversity of Dubai’s maritime ecosystem, where marine activities intersect with tourism, entertainment, and services, further enhancing the appeal of the emirate’s waterfront destinations.

A More Competitive and Sustainable Maritime Economy

The Dubai Maritime Authority, in cooperation with its partners from the government and private sectors, continues to strengthen the integration of the maritime ecosystem and develop its regulatory and operational services in a way that builds confidence among investors and customers and supports the sector’s competitiveness.

These efforts contribute to the sustainable growth of Dubai’s maritime economy, improve the efficiency of related services, and strengthen the emirate’s ability to attract more companies, investors, and marine vessel operators.