Development and construction works of Dubai Maritime City, the world’s first purpose-built maritime centre, and member of Dubai World Group of companies, are progressing apace, with the six-lane causeway connecting the mega project to Dubai now fully complete and finished on time. In addition, 50 per cent of the planned industrial precinct (managed by JADAF Dubai) in the Maritime City is now complete and operational. This landmark has been passed three months ahead of the original Dubai Maritime City development program schedule. The progress in the development of the industrial precinct is the latest milestone to be reached in Dubai Maritime City. It is now physically accessible to traffic via a 1.2 km long, six-lane causeway which was completed on time and links Dubai Maritime City to Dubai itself. ‘We are pleased with the significant progress that has been made on the project so far. One of our proudest accomplishments to date is that we have been able to achieve this ahead of schedule,’ said Mr Amer Ali, the CEO of Dubai Maritime City. A number of other infrastructure developments in the industrial precinct are also currently well underway, with the 3,000 tonne ship lift operational and the larger 6,000 tonne ship lift standing at more than 70 per cent completion. More than half of the warehouses and workshops are also operational, and when completed the precinct will have the capacity to berth more than 80 vessels. A significant event for Dubai Maritime City is also the establishment of Dubai Maritime City Authority. The Authority was established pursuant to a law passed by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. This law established Dubai Maritime City as the official independent maritime authority and regulatory body in Dubai, with jurisdiction over maritime operations and activities. ‘Dubai Maritime City will play a pivotal role in centralizing operations and providing regulation in this - sometimes fragmented - global industry. The full value chain of maritime services offered will yield great revenues for Dubai and the UAE as it will ensure more efficient operations and sustainability,’