June 3, 2015. Dubai, United Arab Emirates- His Majesty King Harald V of Norway was briefed on Dubai’s current efforts and initiatives towards reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading maritime centres. The brief was given during his visit to the Dubai Maritime City Authority’s (DMCA) exhibiting platform at this year’s edition of Nor-Shipping, the leading maritime event week, which opened on June 2 and runs until June 5, 2015 in Oslo. In response, the Norwegian ruler commended the Authority’s global competitiveness and its move to offer attractive investment opportunities in the maritime segment for both regional and international investors.

King Harald V was welcomed by His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Juwayed, UAE Ambassador to Norway; Amer Ali, Executive Director, DMCA and Rashid Mohammed Al Habsi, CEO, Tasneef. The Norwegian King and his delegation were given a presentation that highlighted the competitive features of Dubai’s maritime segment, which is widely reputed for its excellence and comprehensiveness, especially across the fields of port management, ship maintenance, operational management and maritime services. During the meeting, Amer Ali expressed the DMCA’s continuing commitment towards establishing strategic and fruitful ties with Norway—pledging continued cooperation between the two countries that are aimed at bolstering in more growth and development for the global maritime industry.  

Ali further shared that the visit of King Harald V to the DMCA platform reflects the growing interest that the world has placed in Dubai as a leading maritime hub and logistics centre for the Middle East and the rest of the world. He further underlined the Authority’s commitment to work closely with industry-related entities in Norway to enable Norwegian investors to take advantage of promising opportunities in Dubai, which offers a safe and sustainable maritime environment that is backed by key legislation for business and investment and advanced infrastructure to meet industry requirements.

Towards the end of the visit, Ali presented King Harald V with an English copy of the book, ‘My Vision,’ which was written by His Highness (H.H.) Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

DMCA joined around 5,000 participants, including representatives from top international companies in the maritime cargo industry during ‘Nor Shipping 2015’, a bi-annual event specialized in the maritime shipping industry with a total exhibiting area of 39,000 square meters in Lillestrøm. The event features a series of interactive activities and thorough discussions in Oslo. Aside from participating as an exhibitor at the event, DMCA is also sponsoring the Offshore Day and hosting a special banquet in honor of the leading personalities of today’s global shipping industry.