Dubai issues Maritime City law

News was prepared under the information support of Online Daily Newspaper on Hellenic and international Shipping "Hellenic Shipping News".

28 Sep 2007

The Dubai Government has issued the Law No. (11) of 2007 establishing the Dubai Maritime City, which is to gradually incorporate the ship repair and maritime services companies located at Jadaf Dubai, a top official said.According to the new law, the Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) will be able to levy fees and register vessels and professionals in the maritime sector, set up a maritime arbitration centre as well as become a centre for marine insurance and re-insurance.A copy of the law, issued in Dubai recently, was obtained by Gulf News yesterday.The law, promulgated by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, stipulates that the facility will be managed by the DMCA, which will be affiliated with the Ports, Customs and Free Zones Corporation. According to the law, the DMCA shall aim to enhance the position of the Emirate and to make it a centre, without limitation, of the maritime services; maritime management; vessel and yacht registration; vessel and yacht ownership and charter; maritime and educational research; vessel and yacht design and building; maritime shipment organisation; maritime exhibitions, conferences, training and workshops; maritime tourism; and maritime specialised arbitration.The Dubai Government has invested more than Dh3 billion in land reclamation and putting the infrastructure in place, a top official said. "This law heralds a new era for the regional maritime industry. The law will further enhance the position of Dubai as a centre of maritime excellence," Amir Ali, chief executive of Dubai Maritime City, told Gulf News in an exclusive interview.Pivotal role"Dubai Maritime City will play a pivotal role in centralising operations and providing regulation in this sometimes segmented, multi-trillion dollar global industry. The full value chain of maritime services offered will yield great revenues for Dubai and the UAE as it ensures efficient operations and sustainability."He said the Dubai Maritime City is going to complement the region's growing maritime business and Dubai's economy. "Dubai Maritime City will have a significant impact on the maritime community of Dubai and the world at large. It is a progressive and innovative concept that offers a comprehensive range of maritime services in a centralised location," he said. "We are confident that it will raise the quality and standards of the industry not only in Dubai but also the region as it not only offers a viable option from a commercial and industrial standpoint but also a complete community lifestyle with a strong maritime influence."The administration of the authority shall consist of a chairman, an executive director and the executive staff. "The chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation shall be the chairman of the authority. The executive director of the authority shall be appointed and his powers shall be specified by resolution of the chairman," the law says.Article 9 of the law says, violations of any provisions of the same, the regulations issued hereunder or any terms of any licence issued by the authority, shall be subject to the civil penalties specified by special regulations issued by the chairman. Article 10 says, the chairman shall issue all the rules, regulations and resolutions necessary for the operation and administration of the city.AdministrationArticle 11 says, the authority may vest in any one or more corporate person(s) (hereinafter the "operator(s)") the administration and operation of all or any of the operations carried out in the land of the city, including investment and development of the authority's funds."The authority may enter into contracts for transfer, assignment, mortgage or otherwise disposal of the assets of the authority on the terms and for the purposes considered proper by the authority. The chairman shall sign all the necessary documents and contracts with the operator(s)," it says."The authority shall not be responsible for the debts and liabilities of the operator(s) or any other parties."According to Article 12, the authority's land shall not be governed, in relation to their operations, by the local rules and regulations of Dubai Municipality, Department of Economic Development, Rent Committee, Department of Tourism and Commercial Marketing, Road and Transportation Authority or the authorities and entities within their respective jurisdictions.Legislation: DCMA to license all maritime activities