Dubai Customs has signed a co-operation and partnership agreement with the Department of Tourism and Commercial Marketing in Dubai (DTCM) to promote the development of tourist facilities at Jumeirah 1, Umm Suqeim 1 and Umm Suqeim 2 harbours.

The agreement was signed by Dubai Customs director Ahmed Mahboob Musabih and Helal Saeed Al Marri, the director general of DTCM, in presence of Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the chairman of DP World and chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation.

Bin Sulayem said the agreement was in line with Dubai Government’s vision to make the emirate the destination of choice for tourists looking for relaxation and amusement in a safe environment.

He stressed that the Fishermen Harbours will add to the emirate’s impressive portfolio of tourist attractions.

Colossal investments were made in the harbours’ renovation and development project to incorporate exceptional facilities for visitors, including a boatyard for fishing boats and another for yachts and recreational boats.

“Blocking security gaps in the project, ensuring the complete safety and security of the facilities, was at the top of our priority as Dubai Customs enjoys a long experience in securing customs land, sea and air ports. A network of CCTV cameras was installed,” he noted.

Bin Sulayem pointed out that tourists enjoyed an exceptional experience in Dubai with a warm welcome and a comfortable stay without any security hassle as might be seen in airports around the world, with no compromise on safety.

Al Marri said the project supports Dubai’s tourism industry and focuses on an integral part of Emirati heritage, traditional fishing - which we seek to market and promote into a new tourist attraction in Dubai.

"The DTCM will provide all facilitations necessary to implement this agreement, including research-based suggestions and recommendations such as feasibility studies aimed at leveraging the tourist and economic promotion of the three harbours," he added.

As per the agreement, the DTCM, through the Dubai College of Hospitality Training, will offer hospitality and customer service training courses to DC staff in charge of running fishermen harbours, in addition to easing the granting of entertainment licenses to restaurants based in the harbours.
 
On the agreement, Mahboob Musabih said: “It will have tremendous outcome on the emirate’s tourist appeal. We will form a joint work team that will devise an annual action plan, determine joint projects and initiatives and measure how well goals are met biannually as per standards and KPIs that will be mutually determined."

“We will collaborate with DTCM in promoting traditional harbours at international forums and circles and providing all facilitations and improvement initiatives to turn these harbours into tourist landmarks, attracting tourists to enjoy an incredible waterfront experience,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service