Dubai has secured a place among the world’s top five shipping centres and retained its position as the leading maritime hub in the Arab world, according to the 2025 International Shipping Centre Development Index (ISCDI), published by Xinhua News Agency in collaboration with the Baltic Exchange.
The report describes Dubai as the “crown jewel of the Middle East’s maritime sector”, citing its comprehensive ecosystem that spans navigation services, shipbuilding and repair, and strong capacity to manage rising vessel traffic.
“Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, CEO of the Dubai Maritime Authority, said: Dubai’s global ranking reflects the vision of our leadership, as well as the collaboration between strategic partners and maritime companies. We remain committed to world-class services, innovative solutions, and regulatory updates to strengthen Dubai’s role as a sustainable global shipping hub.”
The index also highlighted the Dubai Maritime Transport Plan 2030, aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to expand marine transport, strengthen the logistics network, and further develop Dubai Maritime City.
Jebel Ali Port was singled out for its strategic role in global trade. Operated by DP World, the port handled 15.5 million TEUs in 2024, its highest volume since 2015, representing 18% of DP World’s global throughput of 88.3 million TEUs. Continuous investment in infrastructure and services has reinforced its status as a pivotal regional gateway.
Sustainability was another focal point. Jebel Ali Port has introduced biofuels for ships, solar energy solutions, and electric vehicles for container handling, resulting in an annual reduction of around 2,000 tons of CO₂ emissions.
Captain Ibrahim Al Blooshi, Executive Director of Dubai Ports Authority, said: “This achievement underlines Dubai’s strong position as a global maritime hub. Through Jebel Ali, Port Rashid, and Hamriyah, we will continue enhancing the sector’s contribution to the D33 agenda, while preserving the marine environment and maintaining world-class safety standards.”
The recognition underscores Dubai’s growing role in shaping the future of global shipping and logistics, amid intensifying competition among international ports to capture trade flows and attract investment.
–Input WAM
