Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Executive Director of Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) met with Brigadier Salah Ahmad Al-Qamzi, Assistant Director General of the Land & Sea Ports Sector, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), to discuss new strategies that will enhance integration of services, and facilitate smooth procedures regarding the matters such as : ship crew change in the territorial waters of the emirate; easing the movement of luxury yachts and recreational vessels; and expediting a smoother and seamless way of issuing permits.

During the meeting, the DMCA emphasized the importance of enhancing and improving cooperation and coordination between government entities across all fields, especially in marine navigation, to support industry growth and continuation in the development of services.

Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum cited the significance of holding such meetings, pointing out the important role it plays in the government’s efforts to reinforce cooperation and coordination among concerned entities aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of maritime operations and making procedures easier and more flexible. He explained that the DMCA’s meeting with the GDRFA demonstrates the commitment to improve and upgrade the maritime sector, constituting a much needed boost in the measures that the DMCA has implemented to ensure the sector’s readiness to resume economic and commercial activities, including welcoming back tourists to the emirate after applying preventive measures to guarantee their safety from the corona virus (COVID-19).

He added, “We are witnessing the rebound of Dubai once again, being the focus of global attention and a highly preferred destination for leisure, tourism and economic activities–backed by a set of features and integrated range of facilities in accordance with the emirate’s leading position as a global destination and the effectiveness of its strategies in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. Our strategic cooperation with partners and interested parties serves as a pillar to the next stage of our endeavors, which seeks to improve the maritime sector by providing the widest range of support and facilities for the industry.”

The DMCA is constantly keen to explore new opportunities to make linkages strong with various stakeholders, contributing to strengthening Dubai’s leadership as a preferred destination for logistical services, trade, transport, shipping, leisure and marine tourism activities. The authority has recently established a series of measures aimed at accelerating the pace of the return of maritime sector activities, coinciding with the arrival of tourists to the emirate following the opening of airports and border crossing-points, and easing movement restrictions after the successful completion of the National Disinfection Programme.