Dubai’s maritime sector is recording double-digit growth and will face a surge in performance as the emirate moves to secure a world-class infrastructure for the marine industry, according to Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman, Dubai World, one of the world’s leading holding companies.

Speaking as he opened the largest ever Seatrade Middle East Maritime (SMEM) exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Bin Sulayem said Dubai will very quickly emerge as an international maritime hub mirroring its success as a global aviation centre.

“The facilities and infrastructure to serve the international maritime industry are still not ready but the sector is growing locally at between 10-15% a year,” said Bin Sulayem. “This will surge when Dubai Maritime City opens offering everything for all sectors of the marine sector within one integrated development – the first of its kind in the world for this industry. Dubai Drydock will be incorporated and have the world’s largest ship repair capacity.”

Bin Sulayem said the SuperYacht industry, which is now heavily focused in the Mediterranean, would also locate to Dubai as coastal developments offer more marinas and infrastructure.

“We will have sufficient capacity and facilities for Mega Yachts which can use Dubai as a touring base for other destinations, such as Oman and even the Maldives. As far as the industry is concerned, this is going to be one of the most exciting places in the world.”

Bin Sulayem toured the SMEM 2006 exhibition which features 250 exhibitors from 32 countries and key national pavilions accompanied by Chris Hayman, Managing Director, Seatrade, the publishing and events house organising SMEM.

Meanwhile, speaking at the SMEM opening and in advance of the Fifth Seatrade Middle East Cruise Conference , Khalid Bin Sulayem, Director General of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Government of Dubai said a blueprint for the expansion of Dubai’s cruise facilities is expected by the end of the year.

“Requirements to meet anticipated capacity are currently being studied by the DTCM in conjunction with other involved sectors, including the offshore developers and hospitality investors,” said Bin Sulayem.