Dubai Eases Cruise Ship Traffic for the 2023/24 Season

With the commencement of the 2023/24 cruise season, the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) in Dubai are actively working to ensure the seamless arrival and departure of cruise ships at Dubai ports. The PCFC, through its various departments, aims to solidify Dubai’s status as a prominent global tourist destination and a distinctive cruise tourism hub by prioritizing the comfort and safety of both ship passengers and crews.

His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, highlighted the pivotal role played by PCFC in collaboration with relevant authorities to facilitate cruise vessel traffic in Dubai waters. The emphasis is on maintaining stringent yet flexible security and safety frameworks.

During the ongoing cruise season, where up to 150 ships are expected to visit Dubai, the Security Department of the PCFC is actively involved in facilitating the movement of ships, ensuring the safety and security of visitors and crews. The department’s responsibilities vary based on the categorization of ships, whether commercial or tourist vessels, requiring the implementation of specific security requirements and measures tailored to each port.

Bin Sulayem stressed the PCFC’s commitment to implementing a comprehensive and integrated security system aligned with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code to ensure compliance with regulations for everyone on board vessels.

He also highlighted the role of the Environment, Health, and Safety Department (EHS) under the Department of Planning and Development – Trakhees. The EHS Department conducts inspections on cruise ships arriving in Dubai, verifying compliance with safety requirements, equipment standards, ballast water, and other environmental and health standards to protect the marine environment and the Emirate of Dubai from potential pollution or health risks.

Expressing gratitude for the efforts of the Security and EHS Departments, Bin Sulayem emphasized their contribution to making Dubai a leading and safe destination in the region. The efforts align with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and Dubai’s goals of positioning itself among the top three urban economies globally.

In recognition of the Security Department’s supervision of vessels passing through Dubai and ensuring port security, an honoring ceremony was organized on board the Resilient Lady cruise ship. This event, attended by key officials and stakeholders, celebrated the Department’s efforts with trophies exchanged between the ship’s captain and representatives of the PCFC Security Department.

Additionally, Dubai recently welcomed the Kuwaiti research ship, “Al Mostakshif,” affiliated with the Kuwaiti Institute for Scientific Research (KISR). The ship, specializing in marine life studies and scientific research projects, arrived in Dubai to participate in the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28). The Trakhees Department’s Environment, Health, and Safety Department played a crucial role in verifying the ship and crew certificates, inspecting shipping and communication devices, and ensuring compliance with environmental standards and regulations, including gas emissions and ballast water checks.