Dubai Maritime City
2007
300
DMT
Physical Address
Dubai Maritime City, Port Rashid Area, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
About Dubai Maritime City
A purpose-built maritime cluster offering world-class infrastructure for shipbuilding, repair, maritime services, and marine-related businesses
About Dubai Maritime City
Established in 2007 and developed by Dubai Maritime City Authority, this specialized maritime free zone represents a visionary approach to creating a comprehensive maritime business district on a 227-hectare man-made peninsula extending from Dubai’s historic Port Rashid area. The development was conceptualized as a holistic maritime ecosystem that would consolidate Dubai’s position as a global maritime hub by bringing together diverse marine industry segments into a cohesive business environment. The master plan follows a maritime-centric design that prioritizes waterfront access, marine operational efficiency, and industry-specific infrastructure—from ship repair facilities and maritime workshops to classification society offices and nautical training institutions designed to address the specialized needs of the maritime sector.
What distinguishes Dubai Maritime City from conventional business zones is its strategic integration with existing maritime infrastructure including proximity to Dubai Dry Docks, Port Rashid, and Jebel Ali Port. This creates unprecedented synergies for maritime businesses that benefit from operational proximity to major shipping facilities. This physical integration is complemented by a regulatory framework specifically designed for maritime operations, with streamlined processes for vessel registration, crew documentation, maritime certifications, and industry-specific compliance requirements that minimize administrative friction in global shipping operations.
Maritime Business Ecosystem
Dubai Maritime City has evolved into a comprehensive maritime ecosystem that houses ship management companies, marine engineering firms, maritime service providers, classification societies, and offshore support operations. This concentration of maritime expertise creates a dynamic environment where shipping knowledge, operational capabilities, and industry connections converge, facilitating sophisticated maritime solutions that address the complex requirements of global shipping and offshore operations.
The zone’s ecosystem extends beyond traditional maritime players to encompass the full spectrum of the marine industry value chain—from naval architects and marine surveyors to maritime legal specialists, crew management companies, and marine insurance providers. This diversity creates natural synergies where various maritime specializations complement and reinforce each other, enabling comprehensive shipping solutions that address complex operational requirements. Supporting this core maritime community is a sophisticated network of ancillary service providers including specialized maritime technology firms, nautical equipment suppliers, marine logistics specialists, and maritime training institutions that enhance the functional capabilities of the maritime ecosystem.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the DMT free zone
Commercial
General trading and business activities
Industrial
Manufacturing and production
Maritime
Maritime and shipping operations
Service
Support and service industries
Trading
Import / export and commodity tradingEach license type has specific approvals and requirements to suit different types of businesses. Our experts will help you choose the most appropriate license for your business operations.
Why Choose DMT for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make Dubai Maritime City a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
Integrated Maritime Ecosystem
Immersion in a specialized community focused exclusively on maritime activities, creating natural synergies with complementary marine service providers, vessel operators, maritime authorities, and shipping companies in a purpose-designed maritime business district.
Strategic Waterfront Access
Direct access to waterfront facilities, vessel berths, and marine operational areas, eliminating the logistical challenges typically faced by maritime businesses operating from inland locations disconnected from the marine environment.
Purpose-Built Maritime Infrastructure
Operation within facilities specifically designed for maritime businesses, including marine workshops with heavy lifting capabilities, waterfront access points, specialized utility connections, and technical infrastructure optimized for vessel servicing.
Maritime Regulatory Framework
Business environment governed by regulations specifically designed for maritime operations, with streamlined processes for vessel documentation, marine service authorization, and maritime compliance certification.
Proximity to Major Port Facilities
Strategic location adjacent to Port Rashid and near Dubai Dry Docks, creating operational efficiencies for businesses providing services to vessels calling at these major maritime facilities or requiring dry dock services.
Maritime Service Concentration
Presence within a concentrated hub of maritime service providers including classification societies, marine insurers, ship agents, bunkering services, and technical specialists, creating a comprehensive support ecosystem for shipping operations.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your maritime business without local partner requirements, giving international marine service providers full control over operational standards, technical methodologies, and quality protocols.
Maritime Workforce Access
Access to a diverse pool of maritime professionals, marine engineers, naval architects, vessel technicians, and maritime specialists, supported by streamlined visa processes for qualified maritime personnel.
Global Shipping Network Connectivity
Operation from a maritime hub with established connections to global shipping networks, international vessel operators, and worldwide maritime service chains, facilitating international business development and service expansion.
Maritime Business Networking
Regular industry events, maritime forums, shipping conferences, and technical seminars that facilitate connections with potential clients, partners, and collaborators in the global maritime community.
Marine Technical Support Environment
Ecosystem that encourages technical excellence in maritime services, with access to specialized testing facilities, marine engineering resources, technical consultation, and industry best practices for vessel operations.
Strategic Maritime Location
Operation from a globally recognized maritime hub strategically positioned along major shipping routes between East and West, with exceptional connectivity to key maritime markets across Europe, Asia, and Africa.Ready to Join the World's Leading Trading Hub?
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Setup Process
A streamlined 25-step process to establish your commodity trading business in the Dubai Maritime City
Maritime Operations Consultation
1-2 days
Meet with Dubai Maritime City specialists to discuss your specific maritime business model, vessel services, operational requirements, and marine industry focus. This specialized consultation addresses the unique aspects of establishing maritime operations with optimal access to waterfront facilities and marine infrastructure.
Maritime Activity Assessment
3-5 days
Conduct a detailed analysis of your maritime business activities, including types of vessels served, marine services offered, technical capabilities required, and specialized maritime operations to be conducted within the free zone.
Maritime Facility Requirements
5-7 days
Determine precise specifications for your maritime facility including workshop requirements, waterfront access needs, quayside specifications, equipment installation parameters, and specialized marine infrastructure based on your operational profile.
Site Selection & Facility Tour
2-3 days
Tour available maritime facilities, waterfront properties, and marine workshops within Dubai Maritime City to identify suitable locations based on your operational requirements, vessel access needs, and technical specifications.
Maritime Regulatory Briefing
1 day
Receive comprehensive briefing on maritime regulations, vessel documentation requirements, crew certification standards, and industry compliance specific to your maritime operations within the free zone and UAE waters.
Company Name Reservation
3-5 days
Submit your maritime company name for approval and reservation. Names are evaluated for compliance with naming conventions and to prevent confusion with existing maritime operators in the UAE registry.
Initial Application Submission
1-2 days
Complete and submit the preliminary application forms with company information, shareholder details, and proposed maritime activities to initiate the formal review process with Dubai Maritime City Authority.
Maritime Business Plan Submission
5-7 days
Submit a comprehensive business plan detailing your maritime operations, vessel services, marine engineering activities, technical capabilities, staffing plan, and growth strategy specific to Dubai Maritime City.
Document Submission
3-5 days
Submit required documentation including corporate documents, shareholder information, maritime certifications, vessel documentation, and operational plans through the application portal.
Maritime Safety & Environmental Assessment
5-7 days
Undergo evaluation of your proposed maritime safety protocols, environmental protection measures, and compliance with international maritime standards appropriate for your vessel operations and marine services.
Application Review
7-10 days
Your complete application undergoes review by Dubai Maritime City authorities who evaluate operational viability, compliance with maritime regulations, and alignment with the free zone's marine industry development objectives.
Initial Approval
3-5 days
Receive initial approval for your maritime business establishment in Dubai Maritime City, confirming eligibility to proceed with the registration process for your marine operations.
Maritime Facility Lease Agreement
2-3 days
Sign the lease agreement for your selected maritime facility, waterfront property, or marine workshop, specifying technical requirements, vessel access parameters, and specialized infrastructure needs for your maritime operations.
Fee Payment
1-2 days
Pay the required fees including registration fee, maritime license fee, facility lease security deposit, and establishment card fee through the online payment portal.
Maritime License Issuance
3-5 days
Receive your Dubai Maritime City business license, officially authorizing your company to operate within the free zone for specified maritime activities and vessel services.
Maritime Authority Registration
5-7 days
Register your maritime company with relevant authorities including Dubai Maritime City Authority and potentially the UAE Federal Transport Authority depending on your specific maritime activities.
Immigration Card Issuance
3-5 days
Obtain your establishment immigration card, enabling your maritime company to sponsor visas for marine engineers, technical specialists, vessel crew, and administrative personnel.
Maritime Facility Handover
1-2 days
Receive access to your leased maritime facility, including basic infrastructure, waterfront access points, and standard workshop configurations as specified in your lease agreement.
Maritime Workshop Setup
15-30 days
Set up your maritime facility with appropriate technical equipment, marine engineering tools, specialized machinery, and operational zones based on your specific vessel servicing and maritime operational requirements.
Maritime Technology Implementation
10-15 days
Install and configure vessel management systems, maritime communication equipment, marine engineering software, and other specialized technology solutions essential for your maritime operations.
Maritime Safety Systems Installation
7-10 days
Implement maritime safety measures, emergency response equipment, environmental protection systems, and other safety infrastructure required for your marine operations and maritime regulatory compliance.
Bank Account Opening
7-10 days
Open corporate bank accounts with local or international banks operating in Dubai, facilitating financial operations for your maritime business including international payments and vessel-related transactions.
Staff Visa Processing
15-20 days
Begin processing employment visas for your maritime team, marine engineers, technical specialists, and administrative personnel, with consideration for specialized maritime qualifications and certifications.
Maritime Operational Permits
10-15 days
Obtain any specialized operational permits required for your specific maritime activities, such as vessel maintenance authorizations, marine equipment operation certifications, or specialized maritime service approvals.
Commencement of Maritime Operations
1-2 days
Begin providing maritime services, vessel support, marine engineering, and other maritime activities through your established facility following completion of all setup requirements and operational readiness verification.
Total Timeline
2-4 weeks typical setup
Documentation
Comprehensive support provided
Expert Guidance
End-to-end assistance
Eligibility Requirements & Documentation
Comprehensive requirements and documentation needed for establishing your free zone business
Required Documents
Passport copies
Color copies of passport with minimum 6 months validity for all shareholders, directors, and key maritime personnel. Additional security clearance may be required for certain maritime operations and vessel access.
UAE visa copies
For existing UAE residents - copies of current residence visa with sponsor information clearly indicated.
Emirates ID
For existing UAE residents - clear copies of Emirates ID (front and back).
Passport-size photographs
Recent passport-size photographs with white background (8 copies). Additional copies may be required for maritime facility access cards, port security credentials, and vessel boarding passes.
Maritime business plan
Comprehensive business plan detailing your maritime operations, vessel management activities, marine services, technical capabilities, and growth strategy specific to your maritime business model.
Permitted Activities
Ship Management
Comprehensive management of vessel operations including technical oversight, crew management, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and commercial administration for ship owners
Marine Engineering
Specialized engineering services for maritime applications including vessel design, propulsion systems, marine equipment, shipboard installations, and technical problem-solving for maritime assets
Ship Repair & Maintenance
Technical services for vessel upkeep, mechanical repairs, structural maintenance, equipment overhaul, and scheduled maintenance programs for commercial and leisure vessels
Maritime Consultancy
Specialized advisory services for the maritime industry including operational optimization, regulatory compliance, fleet management, maritime risk assessment, and shipping strategy development
Classification Services
Vessel inspection, certification, and classification activities ensuring compliance with international maritime standards, safety regulations, and seaworthiness requirements
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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Dubai Maritime City, Port Rashid Area, Dubai, United Arab Emirates