Dubai – Sat. 8 September 2018: Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) subsidiary P&O Marinas signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai SME. The agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai mandated to develop the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, to boost mutual cooperation in introducing best services to their clients towards realising the vision of Dubai Government in support of Dubai’s economy.  

Mohammed Abdul Aziz Al Mannaei, CEO of P&O and Executive Director of Mina Rashid, and Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME, signed the MoU which will see both parties provide facilitations and additional advantages to each other’s clients in order to promote economic activity and support Dubai’s efforts in attracting more business and investments. 

“It’s very important for us to cooperate with all government departments in order to deliver the best services and advantages to clients. Our MoU with Dubai SME is an agreement that will help us exchange benefits with them, and is meant to support small and medium enterprises, which play a noticeable role in national economic development following the vision of our wise leadership” Al Mannaei said.  

The Marinas at the Mina Rashid Marina is a new world-class touristic maritime and entertainment attraction that will accommodate 20,000 yachts and boats in the next few years. It stretches across 13 square km and features a number of facilities including an integrated entertainment city, Marina Cubes.

Dubai welcomed more than 625,000 cruise tourists via a total of 157 ship calls during the last cruise season compared to 133 ship calls in the 2015-2016 season, reflecting a 15% increase.

Al Janahi said:” This agreement is very important for both of us. We will have priority in tenders and auctions. We are also exempted by P&O Marinas from importers’ registration fees, in addition to a 20% reduction in the cost of renting offices, warehouses, and quays for the first three years. We highly appreciate the support PCFC’s P&O Marinas is extending to Dubai SME members.”

Al Janahi added: “As the government authority mandated to develop effective strategies and plans to make Dubai a global centre for innovative SMEs and an ideal launch pad for entrepreneurial projects Dubai SME seeks to create partnerships for sustainable growth and competitiveness in the SME sector.”

P&O Marinas will also invite Dubai SME members to participate in its events in addition to offering free space to set up trade promotion activities.