Dubai’s dhow trade sees robust 12% growth in 2022

Dubai’s dhow trade sees robust 12% growth in 2022

DUBAI: The Marine Agency for Wooden Dhows, established in 2020 by Dubai’s Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), facilitated the entry of more than 10,500 wooden dhows during 2022, reflecting a 12 percent year-on-year growth, announced His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the PCFC.

Bin Sulayem noted that the wooden dhows ferried 1.7 million metric tonnes of merchandise from countries across the MENA region and beyond. The Marine Agency is working to enhance trade with neighbouring countries further and contribute to the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, he said.

The D33 agenda was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in early January 2023, setting an ambitious target of doubling the size of Dubai’s economy over the next decade and consolidating its position among top three global cities.

Bin Sulayem credited the PCFC’s efforts and the Marine Agency’s initiatives for faster entry and exit procedures for wooden ships in Dubai, resulting in increased trade volume. He said that these ships used to take 40 days to load cargo but now take just 3-5 days. This efficiency has boosted the number of dhow movements