Dubai has once again secured its place among the top five cities in the 2024 International Shipping Centre Development Index (ISCD), according to a report by the Baltic Exchange and Xinhua News Agency. This marks the fifth consecutive year that Dubai has ranked fifth, maintaining its position as the only Arab city in the top 20, alongside Singapore, London, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.
A key driver behind Dubai’s maritime success is the Dubai Maritime Authority’s Instruction No 1 for 2023, which mandates transparency in local container fees, requiring all service providers to disclose their fees through the unified Dubai Trade portal.
Sultan bin Sulayem, chairman of Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, hailed the ranking as a testament to Dubai’s global maritime strength. He highlighted the emirate’s commitment to enhancing the sector’s role in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 over the next decade, despite global economic challenges.
Sheikh Dr Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, executive director of the Dubai Maritime Authority, stressed the importance of innovation, sustainability, and investment in the maritime sector, noting the significant role it plays in Dubai’s economy. He emphasised that Dubai’s consistent ranking in the top five is an international recognition of its pioneering initiatives and adherence to global best practices.
The report also highlighted Dubai’s efforts towards environmental sustainability, with a focus on decarbonisation and the development of eco-friendly marine systems. The ISCD Index, published annually, assesses maritime centres based on competitiveness, growth, and contribution to the global shipping industry.