Dubai has been ranked fifth globally and first in the Arab region in the 2025 International Shipping Centre Development Index (ISCDI), reinforcing its role as a major global maritime centre. The index is issued by China’s Xinhua News Agency in collaboration with the Baltic Exchange.
Strong regional leadership
The report names Dubai the “crown jewel of the Middle East’s maritime sector” and highlights the emirate’s growing influence in international shipping. Dubai is the only Arab city to feature in the global top five.
Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, CEO of Dubai Maritime Authority, said: “Dubai’s ranking as fifth globally and first in the Arab world in the 2025 International Shipping Centre Development Index reflects the vision of our leadership, as well as the effective coordination between strategic partners and maritime sector companies in the emirate.”
Focus on infrastructure
The report highlights Dubai’s maritime ecosystem, including navigation services, shipbuilding, and repair facilities. It also recognises the Dubai Maritime Transport Plan 2030, which supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and aims to expand marine transport and strengthen maritime infrastructure.
Jebel Ali Port was praised for its strategic role, handling 15.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2024 — its highest figure since 2015. The port accounted for 18% of the total 88.3 million TEUs managed by DP World globally.
Sustainability efforts
The index also noted Jebel Ali Port’s environmental initiatives, such as offering biofuel, installing 50,000 m² of solar panels, and using electric vehicles, contributing to an annual reduction of 2,000 tons of CO₂ emissions.
Captain Ibrahim Al Blooshi, Executive Director of Dubai Ports Authority, said: “We take pride in this achievement, which underscores Dubai’s strong position as a global maritime hub.”
He added that Dubai Ports Authority remains committed to enhancing the sector’s contribution to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 through its three ports—Jebel Ali, Port Rashid, and Hamriyah—while maintaining high safety and environmental standards.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
