The Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) launched the Innovation Quay initiative today (October 7, 2017) to enhance the local maritime clusters competitiveness and make Dubai one of the leading maritime capitals in the world. The leading initiative is tapping into innovative ideas and technological innovations to strengthen the maritime sector and its components in line with the UAEs economic diversification policy and as part of its preparations for a post-oil era. The Innovation Quay aims to provide integrated services and exceptional opportunities to developers, innovators, and researchers to help transform their ideas into concrete projects that will reinforce Dubais status in the global maritime community.

H.E. Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and Chairman of DMCA, said that Innovation Quay is DMCAs response to the directive of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to flourish a culture of innovation in the country. He said it will encourage community members to share their creative ideas that support the growth of the maritime sector and increase its role in building a diversified, sustainable, and competitive knowledge-based economy. H.E. Bin Sulayem added that it offers innovators and researchers, including individuals and national, regional and international institutions, with an opportunity to look for ways to utilize advanced technologies such as drones and smart ships to enhance Dubais competitiveness and attractiveness. The emirates maritime community is considered one of the worlds top 10 maritime industries.

H.E. Bin Sulayem added: "We are confident and optimistic about the benefits and role of the Innovation Quay in discovering new creative talents and transforming their ideas into a reality. This is in recognition of the maritime industrys position as one of the five key sectors that are driving the UAEs economic diversification initiatives and is part of our efforts to transform the country into a global maritime innovation hub. We will continue to launch similar initiatives to elevate the industrys competitiveness in line with the goal of Dubai Plan 2021 that focuses on achieving a sustained economic growth and a diversified and innovation-based economic base."

The newly launched initiative is open to major manufacturers, owners of research institutions, and individual innovators who are engaged in field studies covering cutting-edge technologies, including drones, 3D, and smart and autonomous ships. They will be provided with the latest equipment supporting maritime innovation, development, and training. The Innovation Quay, which is under the umbrella of DMCAs Maritime Innovation Lab, will boost the efforts to make the UAE a global hub for the development and deployment of innovative technologies and modern solutions designed to bring happiness to the people and ensure the well-being of the communities.

Amer Ali, Executive Director of DMCA, said the launch has paved the way for a new phase of excellence in enhancing the maritime clusters competitiveness, attractiveness, and comprehensiveness. All these will be achieved through innovation, creativity, and technological progress in line with the economic diversification policies of Dubai and the UAE, as well as according to their shared vision of building a more secure, prosperous, and sustainable future for the present and future generations.

He added: The Innovation Quay is a part of our ongoing commitment to help make the UAE one of the most innovative nations in the world. Through our new innovative initiative, we are looking forward to establishing a culture of creative thinking and nurturing unique ideas that will help us achieve a renewable and sustainable maritime sector capable of meeting the UAEs ambitious development process.