H.E. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation in Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), held today (November 14, 2017) a meeting with Johan Uggla, the CEO of Maersk and the Grandson of the founder of the well-known global maritime company which is one of the world's largest Container Shipping and Logistics Companies. Bin Sulayem discussed Dubai’s leading efforts in ports and logistics development in terms of infrastructure and legislations, aimed at enhancing the local maritime sector.

Uggla visited Dubai with a group of top-level delegates and shared the latest knowledge and successful experiences in global maritime with DMCA officials, noting Dubai’s most competitive features that enhance its position as one of the most attractive destination for international companies, including Maersk.

The meeting provided a platform for discussion on international best practices in shipping considering Maersk's leading experience as one of the largest container and supply vessel operators in the world. Both parties also explored possible areas of cooperation in terms of providing training using the latest methods and advanced simulation systems aimed at meeting the needs of public and private maritime stakeholders.

The delegation lauded Dubai’s position as a major hub and center for regional and international maritime training which enjoys the support of initiatives that develop highly-qualified national maritime professionals such as the Dubai-based Maersk Training Center, a first of its kind in the Middle East. Such initiatives aim to train new maritime leaders which will steer the sector to become competitive, comprehensive and attractive international maritime destination.

H.E. Bin Sulayem noted that the meeting opens new horizons for knowledge transfer and exchange of expertise and modern practices that will help the sector face challenges and pursue opportunities in the local and international maritime sector, as well as improve training and maritime support services. This is in line with Dubai’s global goal of building a renewable and secure marine sector based on key values such as leadership, creativity, innovation and excellence in human capital.

The DMCA Chairman further emphasized the importance of training as a foundation for developing human resources in the maritime sector, in accordance with the highest international standards under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to build productive, creative and entrepreneurial individuals capable to lead the future and contribute to achieving the UAE Vision by 2021. He added that the DMCA looks forward to work closely with Maersk and Maersk Training as part of its strategic partnership with public and private sectors, which will position Dubai as a leading regional and global maritime center.

Bin Sulayem concluded: “We appreciate Mr. Uggla’s presence, whose company has started its maritime operations in Dubai since the early 1950s. Maersk has provided significant contributions to support our efforts in investing in human capital through the Maersk Training Center, which is recognized as the first maritime training center in the Middle East. By offering courses and educational programs using technological innovation, it helps meet our needs for local, regional and global growth strategies, which will push Dubai towards becoming the maritime capital in the world.”

The Maersk Training Center in Dubai is one of four training centers in the world owned by Maersk, apart from centers located in Denmark, Houston and London. It aims to provide an integrated platform for companies and organizations working in the maritime sectors in the Middle East, Africa and Asia to take advantage of its extensive portfolio of training courses specifically designed to develop skills and establish exact and comprehensive standards that will enhance the safety and operational performance of the maritime sector in the Middle East.