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DUBAI THE MARITIME GATEWAY TO GLOBAL TRADE

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Doing business with the region’s leading maritime centre The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 2 3 The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 4 UAE’s Remarkable Legacy 5

Word from the Chairman

UAE’s Remarkable Legacy

Why ? 01. Zero tax economy 02. No. 1 Maritime Centre in 03. 100% business ownership 04. Ideal location near global business hubs 05. Courageous leadership 06. Dubai’s innovation adoption 07. Diverse human resources 08. Logistics and IT 09. Most visited tourism hub 10. Progressive governmental regulations 11. Excellent educational institutions 12. Favourable business structure 13. Multicultural community 14. Happiness quotient 15. A smarter and sustainable future 16. Future accelerators 17. Enthusiastic entrepreneurial spirit 18. World-class infrastructure

Dubai Maritime City Authority Catering to a growing sector Driving a competitive maritime sector Launch of Dubai Maritime Cluster Office (DMCO) Navigating the path to success The virtual way forward

Contents Contact Us The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 6 Word from the Chairman 7

World-class infrastructure, a multitalented and multicultural populace, zero capital gains and a stable political system - Dubai is a destination of distinction.

Whichever direction you turn, the innovation in this progressive city is palpable, and the opportunity for new business ventures is incomparable.

Sharing this forward-thinking attitude and approach, the Authority’s (DMCA) is keen to present Dubai as a fundamental business centre, regionally and globally. To achieve this, we are implementing best international practices in the organisation, executing key management projects and following a path of success unique to our own identity.

We appreciate the importance of collaboration in achieving our future aspirations. Hence, our focus is centred on building strong strategic partnerships with various government bodies, non-governmental institutions and stakeholders. We are also striving to provide international ship owners with custom solutions that allow them to carry out successful long-term business in our and waters, while immersing in the indulgent lifestyle and rich .

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem Chairman Word from from Word the Chairman The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 8 UAE’s Remarkable Legacy 9

For centuries, the UAE has been a bustling maritime destination situated at the cross roads of the great East-West trading routes.

The legendary Silk Routes paved through the region and interlinked trades from the Asia to the Mediterranean and Europe as well as parts of North and East Africa. This arterial passageway not only acted as a trade route but placed the UAE at the heart of the exchange of ancient knowledge, philosophy and technology between both sides.

Until the mid20-th century, the economy of UAE and Dubai was primarily driven by pearl diving. Originally a small fishing and trading village, today Dubai holds an undisputed position as fast-growing global maritime centre. Long recognised as the leading regional trading hub in the Middle East, the city has transformed itself in recent years into an international business centre of global significance, with prominence in various sectors including retail, finance, real estate and export.

As befits a dynamic and prosperous business centre, Dubai’s ultramodern hotels offer every luxury. An intriguing land that combines old-world souks and modern shopping malls, rolling sand dunes and championship grass golf courses, remote Bedouin villages and an array of five-star hotels, Dubai has something for everyone. UAE’s Remarkable UAE’s Legacy The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 10 UAE’s Remarkable Legacy 11

Dubai’s inspiring journey

1903 1972 1983 2000 2005 2010 Dubai becomes Rashid Dubai Financial DP World founded the main port of the is inaugurated open Market founded inaugurated Trucial Coast 1894 1959 1979 1985 1999 2003 2006 2013 Dubai grants full dredged / Port of Decree establishing Dubai’s real estate Dubai Maritime City investment Dubai and UAE win tax exemption for Dubai Airport inaugurated issued / is opened to non-GCC project announced company established the bid for World all foreign traders inaugurated Airline national for Expo 2020 is established first time

Source: Wikipedia The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 12 Why Dubai? 13

1 Zero tax economy 2 No. 1 Maritime Centre in Middle East 3 100% business ownership 4 Ideal location near global business hubs 5 Courageous leadership 6 Dubai’s innovation adoption 7 Diverse human resources 8 Logistics and IT 9 Most visited tourism hub 10 Progressive governmental regulations 11 Excellent educational institutions 12 Favourable business structure 13 Multicultural community 14 Happiness quotient 15 A smarter and sustainable future 16 Future accelerators 17 Enthusiastic entrepreneurial spirit

Why Dubai?Why 18 World-class infrastructure The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 14 Why Dubai? 15

Dubai is the success story of the 21st century that has been scripted by the sea through the pearl industry. It is a cosmopolitan city of diversity and contrasts at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. Its low logistical and operational costs and excellent infrastructure, international outlook, highest levels of comfort and convenience, constant reinvention and innovation, liberal government policies and many other factors lay the groundwork for successful businesses. The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 16 17

Dubai’s Economic Excellence 4th city globally in number of projects attracted.* Dubai has driven UAE’s GDP Area Dubai is among top 10 diversification away from oil global cities attracting foreign and gas. A pick up in the UAE’s 3,885 square kilometers non-oil economy is expected with direct investment.** a 3.2 per cent growth in 2017**. Real GDP AED 364 Bn (US$ 101 Bn) in 2015* Average Real GDP growth of 3.7% over 2010-2015** Tourism 5% Industry Trade Population 10% 2.78 million as of 2017*** 28% 11% Finance Dubai Real GDP Per Capita Real GDP by Sector AED 146 thousand 2015 (%) 12% Logistics (US$ 41 thousand) in 2015

Other 35% Inflation 3.9% in 2015***

*Source: Arabian Business **Source: Khaleej Times *** Source: Dubai Statistics Centre *Source: Dubai Investment Development Agency **Source: Khaleej Times The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 18 Why Dubai? 19

1

Zero tax economy

Dubai is an attractive destination for foreign investors and citizens looking to work or start a business as the city is free of income, revenue or property tax. The UAE Government does not impose taxes on the wealth of companies and individuals. Dubai has also concluded different double taxation agreements with other countries in order to reduce the taxes applied to foreign citizens when repatriating profits to their home countries. The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 20 Why Dubai? 21

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No. 1 Maritime Centre in Middle East For years, Dubai has been a strong contender in global maritime sector. However, studies have shown that the city has strengthened its position in recent years and is now ranked among the top 10 maritime capitals of . Industry experts have predicted that Dubai will grow to be the world’s 5th most important maritime centre in a few years. Dubai is believed to be the city that will experience the most growth in the coming years. The city’s world class infrastructure and its visionary leadership will steer it to become the world leader in the maritime industry. The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 22 Why Dubai? 23

Top 5 Maritime Cities of the World

G MG

Atlantic Pacific Ocean Ocean

G

Indian Ocean

Dubai is No. 1 Maritime Centre in Middle East The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 24 Why Dubai? 25

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100% business ownership

Dubai has a large number of free zones which allows investors to hold 100% ownership of their company without the need for a local sponsor or local service agent. They also offer benefits such as waiver of corporate taxes, exemption from personal taxes as well as import and export taxes, 100% repatriation of revenue and profits, recruitment and workforce processes are simplified, 100% free transfer of funds and more. The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 26 27

15 5 1 Free Zones of Dubai

1. Dubai Airport Free Zone 7 2. Dubai Auto Zone 3. Dubai Biotech Research Park 4. 10 5. 6. Dubai Gold and Diamond Park 4 7. 8. Dubai Industrial City 11 2 24 9. Dubai International Academic City 16 10. Dubai International Financial Centre 11. 13 12. 13. Dubai Knowledge Village 6 21 18 14. Dubai Logistics City (Dubai World Central) 15. Dubai Maritime City Authority 16. 9 17. Dubai Multi Commodities Center (JLT) 12 18. Dubai Outsource Zone 19. 20 3 20. Dubai Science Park 17 21. Dubai Silicon Oasis 22. 23. Techno Park Dubai (National Industries Park) 24. Dubai Textile City 19 22 25. International Humanitarian City 26 26. International Media Production Zone 27. Jebel Ali Free Zone

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8 The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 28 Why Dubai? 29 4 The city’s official carrier Emirates flies to 152 destinations in 72 countries, across six continents from Dubai.* Ideal location near global business hubs Dubai’s strategic location between the East and West places one third of the world’s leisure destinations and business hubs within a 4 - hour flight and two thirds within an eight-hour flight.

Dubai International Airport is served by over 125 airlines flying to over 260 destinations.**

*Source: Wikipedia **Source: visitdubai.com The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 30 Why Dubai? 31 5

Courageous leadership

It is a cosmopolitan city of diversity and contrasts at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. Its low logistical and operational costs and excellent infrastructure, international outlook, highest levels of comfort and convenience, constant reinvention and innovation, liberal government policies and many other factors lay the groundwork for successful businesses. The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 32 Why Dubai? 33

“UAE has emerged as one of the major incubators of innovation and future 6 technology in the world today.” His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid , Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Dubai’s innovation adoption Over the past couple of years, Dubai has been impressing the world through its feats of fearless and inspiring innovation in various spheres including infrastructure, transport, technology.

In the interest of achieving UAE’s vision to be among the world’s most innovative countries, the nation collectively launched the National Innovation Strategy.

The strategy aims to:

• Nurture an innovation-friendly ecosystem

• Inculcate a culture of innovation among individuals, firms and the public sector

• Concentrate on the primary sectors to lead innovation on the national level

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai launched the plan Dubai 10X which sets the Dubai Government on a mission to be 10 years ahead of all the other cities. All Dubai Government entities have been called on to embrace ‘disruptive innovation’ as a fundamental mantra of their operations and to seek ways to incorporate its methodologies in all aspects of their work. The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 34 Why Dubai? 35

Average age Population of Dubai of the population is 7 2.78 million 27 years* as of 2017* Diverse human resources

Owing to favourable work environments, attractive lifestyle and excellent opportunities for career growth, the city has earned a reputation as a being an excellent hub for the brightest and most creative minds in the world.

A multicultural workforce facilitates growth and offers a blend of talent and ideas. Every industry segment in Dubai has a considerable strength of women employees. In addition, the labour laws are designed to make the work environment as comfortable for women as possible.

Additionally, the ease of migration processes and has made Dubai an attractive destination and positioned it as one of the most preferred cities to migrate to in the world, leaving behind countries such as Switzerland and Singapore.

*Source: Dubai Statistics Centre The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 36 Why Dubai? 37

8

Logistics and IT

Dubai has one of the best logistics facilities in the world. Jebel Ali port has earned the reputation as one of the top 10 container ports in the world.

This evolving and constantly developing logistics infrastructure paves the way for business who wish to set up in this dynamic emirate.

The UAE is credited with being a frontrunner for information and communication technology (ICT) in the Middle East, with Dubai at the heart of the evolution. Technology and connectivity have become a primary focus for Dubai and the city’s continual efforts to attract the best ICT professionals and businesses make it a prime destination for the most influential industry leaders.

Dubai-based DP World, the largest marine terminal in the Middle East, is a leading enabler of global trade and an integral part of the supply chain. It has a portfolio of 78 operating marine and inland terminals supported by over 50 related businesses in 40 countries across six continents with a significant presence in both high-growth and mature markets.

DP World Limited handled 63.7 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) across its global portfolio of container terminals in the full year of 2016, with gross container volumes growing by 3.2% year-on-year on a reported basis. The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 38 Why Dubai? 39

Expected passengers in 2017 - 89 million*

Expected passengers 9 by 2023 - 118 million*

Dubai Tourism’s Vision Most visited tourism hub for 2020 - 20 million visitors per day Dubai airport continues to holds the title of world’s busiest airport for international travel.

The hub expects to welcome 89 million passengers in 2017 alone*. The DXB Plus programme, a series of initiatives and technologies to be introduced at the airport, aims to catapult Dubai to the top aviation hub with 118 million passengers at Dubai International Airport in 2023*.

Dubai’s Tourism Vision for 2020 is a strategic roadmap with the key objective of attracting 20 million visitors per year by 2020, doubling the number welcomed in 2012. The emirate is working towards making this vision a reality by transforming Dubai into a global business and tourism hub.

*Source: The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 40 Why Dubai? 41

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Progressive governmental regulations

Government control and regulation of private sector activities has been kept to a minimum.

An entirely different set of rules and regulations are applicable to foreign investors who want to set up business in Dubai. Paperwork is minimal and procedures are fast tracked so that it becomes extremely easy for company setup, licensing and registration and so on.

Additionally, the Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre (EMAC) provides services for resolving international and domestic maritime disputes through arbitration, mediation and other resolution processes. The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 42 43

11

Excellent educational institutions

Dubai offers an outstanding choice of over 169 private schools following the British, American, Indian, French, German, Japanese, Russian and Canadian curriculum. It also has set up well-structured educational districts such as Knowledge Village and Academic City that are home to internationally-based universities and colleges, thus bringing the best of global education to Dubai. The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 44 45

12

Favourable business structure

With the newly established Dubai Association Centre (DAC), Dubai offers a platform that lets you easily set up an international association here, whether it is a headquarters or a regional office. DAC is a gateway to the world’s fastest growing economies – offering an ideal setting for global associations to expand within industries across the Middle East and beyond. The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 46 Why Dubai? 47

Over 140 nationalities that have made Dubai their home. 13

Multicultural community

Tolerant, liberal, multilingual and multicultural, Dubai offers families and singles a fulfilling lifestyle found at very few cities in the world.

Dubai boasts an extremely low-crime rate and excellent political stability. The city has an extensive expat community with a diverse population of over 140 nationalities that have made Dubai their home. Dubai offers its residents a comfortable and lively lifestyle, enhanced by a bustling nightlife, international concerts, world-class restaurants, excellent shopping, entertainment and iconic attractions. The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 48 Why Dubai? 49

14

Happiness quotient

A happiness index is a composite indicator that measures an individual’s assessment of their standards of living and life satisfaction; the extent to which individuals feel happy and satisfied with their lives.

With its visionary ‘people first’ approach, Dubai has grown to be the happiest city in the Middle East. Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Happiness Agenda is fuelling a city transformation to happiness. Adopting a globally unique, science-based and methodical approach, we are measuring, impacting and sustaining happiness for the whole city. It is committed to a vision of reaching the top position of the world’s happiest place to live in by 2021. The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 50 Why Dubai? 51 15

A smarter and sustainable future

The Dubai Strategic Plan 2021 is designed with an objective to implement processes that put the people of Dubai first.

The Dubai Strategic Plan 2021 is designed with an objective to implement processes that put the people of Dubai first. The plan addresses the urban environment including both natural and built assets, and looks at the living experience of the people of Dubai and its visitors as a result of their interaction with this environment and the economic and social services provided. In addition, the plan also focuses on the economy, which is the city’s development engine and its fuel for its march forward.

Based on this plan, the future of Dubai is described based on 6 key themes, namely:

A city of happy, creative A smart and and empowered people sustainable city

An inclusive and A pivotal hub in the cohesive society global economy

The preferred place A pioneering and to work, live and visit excellent government The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 52 Why Dubai? 53

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Future accelerators

The has launched the Dubai Future Accelerators programme that draws in the crème de la crème of the world’s foremost innovative companies and achieves cooperation with them to develop innovations for the future.

The challenge presented to these brightest minds is to develop innovations and technologies for the future, find effective solutions for challenges in key sectors and together build a more prosperous society. The Dubai Future Accelerators programme is a platform to anticipate and create opportunities and solutions ahead of time. It serves as a scientific path to meet the challenges facing human societies, and convert them to opportunities for a better future for the coming generations. The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 54 Why Dubai? 55

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Enthusiastic entrepreneurial spirit

Dubai is a city of the future. It is ambitious and welcomes innovative ideas, and more importantly, it recognises that entrepreneurs are the building blocks of the future. Its progressive policies offer businesses the freedom and support required to set up and grow. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Fund offers a receivable finance facility which helps entrepreneurs start up their business by granting them credit for operating expenses. The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 56 Why Dubai? 57

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World-class infrastructure

Dubai has an excellent infrastructure to support the maritime industry. Its ports, marinas, dry docks, addresses the requirement of small, mid-sized to large vessel owners and shipping corporations that are located in or pass through the region. Dubai has built an extensive network of hard and soft infrastructure that both enables business and ensures a high quality of life for its citizens. This provides a sustainable competitive advantage that gives Dubai a firm footing as the region’s leading hub in so many areas for the foreseeable future. The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 58 Dubai Maritime City Authority 59

Catering to a growing sector

With an aim to enhance Dubai’s position as a leading maritime sector globally, DMCA offers an array of services that further the growth of the industry.

They include marine craft licensing, marine crafts crew licensing, maritime commercial licensing and maritime environmental services. These services encompass large shipping corporations, leisure and luxury maritime organisations, yachts and private boats and pave the way for: • Simplifying registration and licensing • Maritime services and maritime management • Ownership and charters of vessels • Vessel design and construction • Management of maritime and educational research, marine, conferences, training and workshops • Maritime tourism related activities • Maritime specialised arbitration Dubai Maritime City Authority The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 60 Dubai Maritime City Authority 61

Driving a competitive maritime sector

The evolution of Dubai’s maritime sector over the past five decades has been significant.

In the continued spirit of progress, Dubai seeks to create a vibrant and safe maritime investment environment for industry leaders from all over the world, while reaffirming Dubai’s position as a leading international maritime hub. The Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) was established to this end. An independent government body, DMCA has already brought about radical change across Dubai’s maritime industry.

Since its inception, following initiatives, best practice regulations and strategic partnerships, and the launch of the Maritime Sector Strategy (MSS) – a first-of-its-kind plan designed to drive competitiveness and response to regional and international developments - DMCA has secured Dubai’s maritime industry as one of the major value-added economic sectors in the region.

The Impact of DMCA

76,000 jobs 13,000 activities AED 26.9 billion 5,500+ companies already created in action generated for the currently working in emirate’s economy the maritime sector The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 62 Dubai Maritime City Authority 63

Dubai Maritime Cluster Office (DMCO)

A land of profound tradition, vision and ambition, Dubai has been a bustling maritime destination for centuries. Strategically situated at the crossroads of the great East-West silk route, trading by sea has been fundamental to the growth of the emirate’s economy.

Today, under the rule of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, our pioneering metropolis continues to challenge boundaries, defy odds and create unparalleled opportunities. In its advancements, Dubai is fast becoming a global economic capital and one of the most desirable destinations in the world for business owners, investors and settlers.

DMCA established DMCO in response to the Dubai government’s efforts to transform the local maritime sector into one of the world’s most comprehensive and competitive maritime clusters. The Office’s pivotal role is to strengthen the fruitful cooperation among government sector, private entities, and stakeholders involved in local, regional and global maritime activities to boost Dubai’s initiative to become a main global economic hub by 2021. The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 64 Dubai Maritime City Authority 65

Navigating the path to success

As part of the ongoing initiatives to elevate Dubai’s position on the global maritime map, DMCA has launched the Maritime Dubai initiative.

Placed under the management of DMCO, the initiative seeks to sustain the local maritime sector’s exceptional achievements and lay the foundation for a new phase of development based on ambitious vision to promote Dubai as a maritime gateway to regional and global trades.

It focuses on encouraging members to engage in new businesses through trade promotion; attracting more foreign ships owners, operators and shippers to Dubai; promoting the emirate as a global centre for maritime training; facilitating communication mechanisms for all stakeholders; and organising international events to keep all stakeholders up-to-date with the latest maritime developments and information. The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 66 Dubai Maritime City Authority 67

The virtual way forward

DMCA has launched the Dubai Maritime Virtual Cluster initiative to provides an important platform for facilitating effective communication among members of the cluster and removing the constraints of time and distance.

It aims to contribute towards transforming the local maritime sector into one of the world’s most comprehensive and competitive maritime clusters. The project will also promote engagement among the global maritime community on Dubai’s maritime activities based on four main objectives: development of maritime clustering, empowerment, awareness and engagement. It also aims to promote best maritime practices and services across various sub-sectors in the maritime cluster in addition to bringing in maritime value-added services through Dubai Maritime Virtual Cluster Platform and Virtual Channels. The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade 68 69

Dubai Maritime City Authority 117774 Dubai, UAE T: 800 8855 E: [email protected] Contact Us Contact The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade The Maritime Gateway to Global Trade

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