Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), the government authority charged with regulating, coordinating and supervising all aspects of Dubai’s maritime sector, has signed a strategic service-level agreement (SLA) with Trakhees, a regulatory arm of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone in Dubai, UAE, for sustainable development of the maritime city.

Under the terms of the agreement, Trakhees will process all types of permits and approvals along with ancillary activities for all civil engineering and environment, health and safety activities (non-maritime) carried out by third parties within Dubai Maritime City’s geographical area, said Amer Ali, the executive director of DMCA, after signing the deal with Arif Obaid Al Dehail, the CEO of Trakhees.

Dubai Maritime City is a multi-purpose maritime zone with a vision to become a world-leading ship repair, conversion, ship building, maritime cluster, and offshore organisation.

It is divided into various districts, including The Maritime Centre, Industrial Precinct, Harbour Offices, Harbour Residences, and The Marina District.

"It will also review all plans, drawings, submissions and documents for civil engineering work in accordance and compliance with its regulations and DMCA’s master plan and development control regulations," he noted.

In addition, Trakhees is authorised to conduct inspections, issue any fines for violations, and collect all fees for the issuance of approvals and permits, he added.

Ali said the agreement with Trakhees was aimed at ensuring Dubai Maritime City’s development according to best architectural sustainable development practices and in line with the highest professional standards.

"Under the agreement, third parties will abide by all the rules and regulations while carrying out civil engineering activities. We are committed to establish effective partnerships to express our vision in positioning Dubai as a leading global maritime hub," he noted.

Al Dehail said the agreement reinforces Trakhees' objective of offering the best services to all departments and institutions under the Dubai Government.

"We will look after the non-maritime civil engineering, environment, and health and safeties services in Dubai Maritime City to ensure simpler and easier procedures. Our aim is to position Dubai as a leading destination for tourism and investment and our contract with DMCA affirms our commitment," he added.-TradeArabia News Service