The UAE’s rich sea-faring tradition supported and drove DP World’s rise from a local port operator to today being third largest marine terminal operator globally, said chairman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem.

 

Addressing the annual Grand Gala Dinner of DP World, UAE Region, held under the theme “Dreams of the Sea”, Bin Sulayem said:  “Dubai’s transformation into the trading hub of the region was driven by the visionary investments our leadership made in the infrastructure sector, especially its ports. DP World’s flagship Jebel Ali Port is a fine example of the dreams that became reality, not just in Dubai but across the UAE.”

 

Trading with more than 220 countries, the UAE is the world’s third largest re-export market and is home to nine seaports with Jebel Ali, with more than 15 million TEU (twenty foot equivalent container units) capacity, the largest container terminal between Rotterdam and Singapore.

 

The Grand Gala evening held at Jumeirah Beach Hotel was attended by more than 700 invitees including top executives from DP World’s stakeholders, shipping lines, traders, logistics companies and other supply chain operators.

 

The evening included musical performances and raffle draws, as well as short films from the “Dreams of the Sea” project, with those involved in Dubai’s maritime history telling their stories, and the film showcasing “UAE’s Expo 2020” bid. 

 

A highlight of the evening of celebrations was the projection of a massive image of DP World’s logo, which features the UAE national flag colours, on the sail-shaped façade of the adjoining Burj Al Arab hotel, itself a symbol of the nation’s sea-going tradition.

 

Reflecting on Dubai’s leading position as the commercial gateway to the emerging markets of a 2-billion strong region, Bin Sulayem said: “Dubai connects the world and DP World connects trade. The vast gathering of accomplished supply chain leaders here for this Annual Grand Gala is testament to the transformative role Dubai plays in contributing to the growth of trade in the region. We congratulate DP World, UAE Region on another successful year of operations.”  - TradeArabia News Service