H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and President of the Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), the government authority responsible for regulating, coordinating and supervising all aspects of Dubai’s maritime sector, has been recently honoured with a special award by Seatrade Communications, in recognition of his significant contributions to the emirate’s growing maritime industry. The prize was handed over during a ceremony, held in the fabulous Dubai yacht charter destination yesterday, on October 27, 2014.

H.E. Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and President of Dubai Maritime City Authority while receiving the award

The Personal Contribution Award is the latest in a string of accolades bestowed on H.E. Bin Sulayem for his continued strategic efforts to develop, regulate and promote the local maritime industry. All his efforts are in line with the Dubai Government’s grand vision to reinforce the emirate’s position as a premiere global maritime hub. Under his leadership, the sector has made huge strides in generating diverse economic opportunities. According to DMCA’s 2014 market research, the local maritime sector contributed AED 14.4 billion to Dubai’s gross domestic product (GDP) and supported over 75,000 job opportunities across the UAE. These achievements were attributed to integrated infrastructure and world- class maritime regulations and services in the emirate.

Under H.E. Bin Sulayem’s leadership, DP World has become the world’s third largest port operator. Today, it operates more than 65 marine terminals across six continents, building on the model of its flagship port Jebel Ali, the premier gateway port serving the Middle East, Africa and Indian subcontinent region. The exponential expansion was attained after the creation of a free trade zone at the port upon his suggestion.

At Dubai Maritime City Authority, bin Sulayem led the establishment and implementation of the Dubai Maritime Strategy. He was also been involved in the launching of the Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Middle East aimed at addressing and resolving maritime disputes.