The Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA), operating under the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), has highlighted the expanding scope of Dubai's marine sector, which currently serves users of 116 different nationalities. According to the latest statistics, citizens of the United Kingdom represent the largest share of participants utilizing the emirate's maritime activities and offerings.
At present, the DMA has registered 8,415 marine vessels, while the total number of maritime enterprises operating across the sector has surpassed 14,000. This expansion is supported by an established infrastructure consisting of 20 marinas and 4,214 berths, which provides the necessary capacity to accommodate rising demand.
Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Chief Executive Officer of the DMA, emphasized that the ongoing advancement of the maritime framework is essential to Dubai's blue economy and its global standing. He noted that the DMA remains committed to providing an advanced regulatory and safe environment to boost operational efficiency and competitiveness in line with international standards. Sheikh Dr. Saeed added that the current growth trends reflect Dubai's capability to absorb future expansion and attract international watercraft operators, investors, and customers.
The DMA manages and regulates maritime activities across the emirate's waters, which span approximately 72 kilometers of coastline and reach into its exclusive economic zone. The authority's regulatory duties cover a broad assortment of watercraft, including commercial, tourism, and recreational vessels.
Among the registered vessels, motorized pleasure boats form the largest segment with 3,269 craft. This is followed by 2,377 watersports craft and 1,064 tourism vessels. Additionally, the registry includes 897 commercial craft utilized for watersports and 224 marine public transport vessels, along with other specialized categories.
The registry also features 87 floating restaurants, which consist of 58 wooden and 29 non-wooden vessels. These dining venues have a combined capacity to host up to 9,600 guests. They operate primarily near prominent waterfront developments, with the greatest concentrations situated in Dubai Marina, Dubai Creek, Dubai Harbour, and the Al Jaddaf Waterfront.
Through collaboration with both public and private entities, the DMA continues to refine its regulatory frameworks and operational services to sustain investor trust and foster long-term growth in the regional maritime economy.
