Dubai woos Greek shipowners

The seminar was held in cooperation with Vardikos & Vardikos, a Greek international law firm based in Athens, and Al Tamimi & Company, the largest law firm in the Middle East.

It provided an overview of Dubai’s plans to become a maritime haven along with its potential for the Greek maritime companies planning to establish or expand their operations in the emirate.

Amer Ali, executive director, DMCA, said: “Since launching its Maritime Sector Strategy (MSS) in 2012, Dubai has firmly strengthened its position as the Middle East’s top maritime hub. Dubai has achieved tremendous success in laying out world-class infrastructure and services, upholding the sector’s sustainable development, and introducing business-centric regulations.”

He added that given their high maritime stature, Dubai and Greece are ideal partners for identifying and pursuing prime opportunities in international shipping which facilitates around 90% of world trade.

Greece currently has the third largest marine merchant fleet in the world, ranking first for tankers, bulk carriers, and all kinds of ships. Shipping is the Greek’s leading industry, estimated to be worth €251.1 billion, as of 2014.

When it comes to Dubai’s position in the global maritime market, a recent international survey by Menon Business Economics Group predicts that the country will be among the world’s top seven leading maritime centres over the next five years.