Dubai Tops Arab World, claims fifth spot globally in shipping center development ranking

Dubai remains in the top five maritime hubs worldwide on the 2023 International Shipping Centre Development (ISCD) Index for the fourth year. The recent report by the Baltic Exchange for Trade and Shipping and the Xinhua Agency of China's Economic Information Service also heralds Dubai as the premier sea freight and logistics service provider in the Arab world.

Out of the 20 leading international maritime commercial centers, the report positioned Dubai fifth, surpassing cities like Rotterdam, Hamburg, Athens/Piraeus, Ningbo/Zhoushan, and New York/New Jersey. Notably, Dubai is the singular Arab representative on this list, while Singapore, London, Shanghai, and Hong Kong clinch the top four spots.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the head of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, emphasized that this global nod underlines Dubai's paramountcy in maritime shipping. He highlighted that the city's significant influence on the global marine sector aligns with its contributions. As maritime freight plays a pivotal role in international trade, accounting for over 80% of the worldwide volume, Dubai remains committed to excellence in this sector. Represented by the Dubai Maritime Authority, the corporation is dedicated to ensuring Dubai's continued global maritime prominence through its commitment to standards and groundbreaking solutions.

Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, the chief of the Dubai Maritime Authority, remarked that Dubai's consistent ranking on the ISCD Index augments its global maritime stature. The city's sustained top-tier ranking over four years underscores its endeavors to bolster the naval sector's competitive edge. The Authority's Maritime Sector Strategy has further solidified Dubai's reputation as a prime international maritime nexus.