According to the latest 2024 Leading Maritime City (LMC) Report, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have emerged as maritime leaders, ranking within the top 25 maritime cities worldwide.
The Leading Maritime City report is a bi-annual study that DNV and Menon Economics jointly produce. It assesses the performance of 50 leading maritime cities across key sectors such as shipping, finance and law, maritime technology, and port and logistics. This year’s edition highlights the remarkable performance and progress Dubai and Abu Dhabi have shown in the maritime sector.
Abu Dhabi jumped a remarkable 10 spots since 2022, ranking 22nd globally. Meanwhile, Dubai emerged as the top maritime city in the Arab World and the 11th globally, jumping two places since 2022.
Factors driving Dubai’s maritime growth
The Leading Maritime City report attributes Dubai’s rise on the Leading Maritime Capitals index for 2024 to five key factors:
- Shipping centers
- Maritime technology
- Ports and logistics
- Attractiveness and competitiveness
- Financial and legal aspects
Moreover, the report highlighted Dubai’s utilization of green technology in the maritime sector.
Commenting on Dubai’s achievement, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), noted that the Dubai Maritime Authority spearheads Dubai’s progress in the sector. Through a comprehensive range of strategic plans and initiatives, the authority enhanced the maritime sector’s competitiveness, which now serves as a key driver for sustainable growth and development.
Hence, the Dubai Maritime Authority commits to leveraging research, development and innovation to enhance logistics programs. Moreover, it ensures the highest professional safety standards, best environmental practices, and local and international regulations. This positions Dubai as a global leader in the logistics sector.
“Dubai’s achievements in the Leading Maritime Capitals index reflect its strength and economic attractiveness, distinguishing its position as a global hub for security and stability,” Dr. Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al-Maktoum, executive director of the DMA, stated.
Abu Dhabi’s growing prominence in the global maritime landscape
In addition to Dubai’s outstanding maritime performance, Abu Dhabi has grown to become among the leading maritime centers of the world. The Leading Maritime City report attributes Abu Dhabi’s growth to its attractiveness and competitiveness, and enhancement in shipping indicators. Moreover, the emirate scored remarkable rankings across all other key indicators.
A vital contributor to Abu Dhabi’s success is Abu Dhabi Maritime, which AD Ports Group and the Department of Municipalities and Transport established in 2020 to manage the growth and development of Abu Dhabi’s maritime sector.
AD Ports Group has played a major role in propelling Abu Dhabi maritime growth. Hence, it worked on:
- Bolstering commercial and leisuremaritime infrastructure
- Enhancing digital capabilities
- Augmenting the maritime regulatory framework
In addition, initiatives such as the Maritime Hub Abu Dhabi and expansion of public water transportation networks and sustainability projects further contributed to Abu Dhabi’s success.
“This achievement serves as a testament to the forward-thinking approach of our wise leadership, and the dedication and hard work of Abu Dhabi Maritime alongside the maritime community,” stated Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, managing director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group. “Through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts, we are confident in our efforts to further elevate Abu Dhabi’s status as a global maritime hub,” he added.
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Abu Dhabi achieves the biggest leap
Benjamin Dineshkar, Head of Maritime Advisory, Middle East and Africa, and co-author of the Leading Maritime City report, said, “Abu Dhabi has made the most remarkable progress, moving 10 places from 32 to 22. Compared to the cities that were in the top 50 for both 2022 and 2024, Abu Dhabi has achieved the biggest leap among the cities.”
Ranking first, Singapore has retained its title as the leading maritime city in the world for 2024. Meanwhile, Dubai led the Arab maritime capitals and ranked 11th globally, showcasing its strategic plans to advance its global position and excel in this vital sector.
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