A report titled “International Shipping Hub Development Index 2025,” issued by China’s state news agency Xinhua in collaboration with the Baltic International Exchange, reveals that Dubai has maintained its position among the top five global shipping centers, ranking first in the Arab world. This recognition underscores Dubai’s strength as a crucial hub for shipping operations worldwide.
On this occasion, Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Dubai Maritime Authority within the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, expressed pride in this achievement, stating: “Dubai’s ranking as one of the top five global centers and the leading position in the Arab region in the International Shipping Hub Development Index for 2025 is a significant accomplishment attributed to the vision and guidance of our wise leadership, as well as the effective collaboration of our strategic partners and maritime companies in enhancing standards, technologies, projects, and development initiatives that serve the sector.”
He continued, “We reiterate the commitment of the Dubai Maritime Authority to ongoing development initiatives aimed at offering superior services and implementing best global maritime practices, staying current with advancements, and crafting legislative solutions to overcome various challenges, thereby strengthening the maritime business environment and reinforcing Dubai’s status as an innovative and sustainable global logistics and shipping hub.”
Sheikh Dr. Saeed also affirmed the continued efforts to refine legislation and adopt the best international standards and practices to bolster the maritime business climate and establish Dubai as a global leader in innovation and sustainability in shipping and logistics.
Comprehensive System
The report highlights that Dubai boasts a comprehensive maritime system catering to various client needs, including navigation services and shipbuilding and repair. It also has the capacity to accommodate the rising number of vessels and provide quality services regardless of their volume. Furthermore, it emphasizes the Dubai Maritime Transport Plan 2030, which aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aiming to increase the number of maritime transport users, expand the maritime transportation network, and develop the maritime city of Dubai, referring to it as the “pearl of maritime navigation in the Middle East.”
The report also delves into the advanced capabilities of Jebel Ali Port, emphasizing its critical role as a shipping hub in the region due to ongoing investments in infrastructure and quality services. In 2024, the port handled 15.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), marking the highest volume since 2015 and representing 18% of the total throughput of 88.3 million containers managed by DP World, which operates the port.
Environmental Conservation and Sustainability
On sustainability, the report mentions the port’s initiatives to reduce emissions and introduce new services such as providing vessels with biofuel and installing solar panels over 50,000 square meters to generate renewable energy, along with using electric vehicles for container handling, which has contributed to a reduction of 2,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Captain Ibrahim Al Blooshi, Executive Director of Dubai Ports Authority within the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, stated: “We take pride in the achievement that underscores Dubai’s unique position as a pivotal maritime corridor on the global navigation map. We are also proud of the accomplishments of Jebel Ali Port in terms of global and regional metrics.”
Al Blooshi affirmed that Dubai Ports Authority is committed to a proactive approach that enhances the maritime sector’s contribution to the strategic objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 through its ports: “Jebel Ali Port, Port Rashid, and Al Hamriya Port,” despite global economic challenges and market fluctuations. The authority continues to strive for marine environmental preservation across all emirate ports while ensuring the highest operational safety standards in the maritime sector.