Dubai Maritime City (DMC) is a 249-hectare, purpose-built, multi-purpose maritime zone and freehold peninsula located between Port Rashid and Dubai Dry Docks. As a DP World group company, it serves as a specialized maritime hub integrating industrial, commercial, and residential areas with waterfront living. It is rapidly transforming into a luxury lifestyle destination featuring marinas, dining, and parks.
Dubai Maritime City Free Zone
Dubai Maritime City (DMC) is a 249-hectare, specialized maritime cluster located between Port Rashid and Dubai Dry Docks, providing 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and world-class infrastructure for marine industries. It offers tailored licenses for ship repair, yacht manufacturing, and maritime services. The hub includes industrial, commercial, and residential districts, offering a strategic, accessible location for maritime businesses.
Infrastructure & Maritime Facilities
- Industrial Precinct: Serves as the backbone for ship repair and manufacturing, recently upgraded to double ship-handling capacity to 1,000+ vessels annually.
- Maritime Centre: The centerpiece, hosting corporate offices, showrooms, and networking opportunities for maritime companies.
- Marina District: Features waterfront promenades, beaches, and exclusive yacht club facilities.
- Academic Quarter: Dedicated to education, research, and technical training in maritime fields.
- Harbour Residences: Includes residential towers with amenities, such as the “Beyond” project, which adds 10 towers including hotels, residential units, and retail outlets.
Connection with Port Rashid
- Physical Proximity: DMC is built on a man-made peninsula, literally situated between the bustling Port Rashid and the Drydocks World.
- Operational Synergy: It acts as a specialized maritime zone that complements Port Rashid, catering to ship repair, yacht manufacturing, and technical expertise.
- Infrastructure Connectivity: The development boasts direct access to the main road network, specifically Sheikh Rashid Road, facilitating movement to and from the port area.
- Strategic Hub: Together with Port Rashid, it is part of the broader maritime zone aimed at enhancing Dubai’s position as a global maritime hub, with the two areas sharing close logistical links.
Where is Dubai Maritime City Located?
Dubai Maritime City is situated in a strategic, northerly location within Dubai, nestled between the bustling Port Rashid and the Dubai Dry Docks. It acts as a dedicated peninsula catering to the maritime industry, offering a unique blend of industrial, commercial, and residential spaces.
Dubai Maritime City Location Map
- Location: Between Port Rashid and Dubai Dry Docks.
- Key Access: Accessible via the main road network connecting to Jumeirah and the rest of Dubai.
- Context: It is located near the Creek area business district.
Nearest Metro Station
While Dubai Maritime City is primarily accessed via road, the nearest Metro Stations located in the surrounding areas (such as Al Ghubaiba or Sharaf DG) are part of the Green Line. It is advisable to take a taxi from these stations for the final, short distance to the peninsula.
How to Reach from Nearby Areas
- From Deira/Bur Dubai: The area is easily accessible via the Al Shindagha Tunnel or the new Infinity Bridge, leading directly toward Port Rashid and onto the DMC causeway.
- From Sheikh Zayed Road: Take the exit towards the Jumeirah/Port Rashid area and follow signs for Dubai Maritime City.
- By Sea: Given its location, the city is designed for direct marine access.
Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA)
The Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), also known as the Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA), is the government body responsible for regulating, developing, and supervising all maritime activities in Dubai. Established in 2007, it aims to position the emirate as a premier global maritime hub through world-class regulations and a secure investment environment.
Core Responsibilities
- Regulation & Safety: Developing guidelines to ensure maritime safety, maritime traffic control, and adherence to environmental best practices.
- Licensing & Registration: Issuing permits for marine crafts (pleasure, commercial, and traditional), driving licenses for crew, and operational licenses for maritime businesses.
- Strategic Development: Promoting Dubai’s maritime competitiveness by upgrading infrastructure, logistics services, and fostering partnerships between the government and private sectors.
- Geographic Scope: While it manages the specific Dubai Maritime City (DMC) district, its authority extends across the entire emirate, including all free zones and special development zones.
Service & Contact Information
The authority provides various E-Services, including vessel registration, marine driving licenses, and activity permits.
Feature Details
- Main Office Dubai Maritime City Authority building “B”, Dubai Maritime City
- Hours (Main Office) Mon–Thu: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM; Fri: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Toll Free: 800 990
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.dmca.ae
Pet Sitting Services in Dubai Maritime City
While there are no major pet care facilities physically located within the industrial zone of Dubai Maritime City (DMC), several highly-rated mobile pet sitting and dog walking services cover the area, often operating from nearby neighborhoods like Al Mina, Jumeirah, or Bur Dubai.
Top Professional Pet Sitting Services
These companies are fully licensed and send certified sitters to your home in DMC.
1. Pawland
An award-winning Company with a network of over 350 sitters across the UAE. They offer in-home sitting, drop-in visits, and specialized care for exotic pets like birds and rabbits.
Parks Near Dubai Maritime City
Several parks and green spaces are accessible from Dubai Maritime City, offering recreational, beach, and leisure options. Key nearby locations include Zabeel Park, known for the Dubai Frame, and Al Mamzar Beach Park for seaside relaxation. Other nearby options for nature and leisure include Palm Jumeirah and Mushrif Park.
- Zabeel Park: A large, central park featuring sports facilities, green spaces, and the Dubai Frame.
- Al Mamzar Beach Park: Features sandy beaches and landscaped areas for picnics, located near the area.
- Palm Jumeirah: Offers beachside walks, views, and various leisure amenities.
- Mushrif Park: A large, established park known for its extensive green spaces and family-friendly environment.
- Al Khazzan Park: A smaller park featuring a library and children’s play area.
Are Dogs Allowed in These Parks?
Generally, dogs are not permitted in major public parks managed by Dubai Municipality, such as Al Mamzar or Zabeel Park. However, they are welcome on the paved promenades of nearby Mina Rashid and certain designated “pet-friendly parks” zones further out (like Bark Park in Al Awir or JLT Dog Park).
Gate Pass & Access Information
Access to Dubai Maritime City (DMC) is regulated through specialized gate pass systems managed by PCFC (Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation) Security to ensure a secure maritime environment.
Types of Gate Passes
- Visitor Gate Pass: Required for individuals visiting offices or residential areas within the zone. These can be issued online via the Tasreeh Portal.
- Commercial/Permanent Pass: For employees of companies registered within JAFZA or DMC. These are typically managed through an administrator account on Dubai Trade.
- Local Goods Pass (LGP): Essential for moving cargo in or out of the zone via vehicles.
- Marine Vessel Entry Permit: For foreign or visiting vessels entering the waters for tourism, maintenance, or exhibitions.
Access Procedures
- Online Application: Register or log in to the Tasreeh Online Gate Pass System. Companies in DMC can also use the Dubai Trade Portal to manage visitor entries 24/7.
Required Documents:
- Individuals: Valid Emirates ID or Passport copy.
- Vehicles: Registration document and driver’s license.
- Vessels: Proof of ownership, insurance, and crew certificates.
- Approval & Issuance: Once approved, the pass is sent via email or SMS. For vessels, a decision is typically issued within one working day.
- Entry: Present the electronic or printed pass at the security gate for verification.
Important Regulations
- Vessel Entry: Visiting vessels must register in the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) at least 48 hours before arrival.
- Prohibited Items: Strict laws apply to firearms, narcotics, and certain animals. Bringing pets is heavily regulated and requires a special permit.
- Security Inspections: DMA inspectors have the authority to inspect any vessel or establishment within the zone to ensure compliance with safety and security laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dubai Maritime City (DMC) is a 2.27 million square meter, man-made peninsula and maritime industrial cluster located between Port Rashid and the Dubai Drydocks. It is a specialized, mixed-use waterfront area focused on the maritime industry, featuring dedicated districts for ship repair, industrial, commercial, and residential use.
In Dubai trade, DMA refers to the Dubai Maritime Authority, which regulates, coordinates, and supervises all aspects of the maritime sector across the emirate, including free zones. It is responsible for enhancing transparency and efficiency in sea container charges and requires service providers to file and publish their tariffs directly through the Dubai Trade single-window.
Yes, Dubai Maritime City (DMC) is a dedicated free zone and a specialized maritime hub located between Port Rashid and Dubai Drydocks World. It offers 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and streamlined business setup for maritime, industrial, and specialized services.
Dubai Maritime City (DMC) is an emerging, high-end waterfront community that offers a luxurious, modern lifestyle, making it a strong contender for desirable residential living in Dubai. Situated between Port Rashid and Dry Docks World, it offers unique, panoramic sea views, resort-style amenities, and close proximity to Downtown Dubai, providing a quieter alternative to the busy Dubai Marina.
