Law No. (11) of 2007
Establishing
Dubai Maritime City

We, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai

Upon review of the Federal Maritime Commercial Law No. (9) of 1982;

Law No. (1) of 1992 Establishing the Department of Economic Development, as amended;

Law No. (1) of 2001 Establishing Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation;

Law No. (19) of 2005 Concerning Finance of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation Projects;

Decree No. (5) of 2006 Appointing the Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation; and

Law No. 18 of 2006 Concerning Management and Realization of Public Funds of the Government of Dubai

Hereby issue the following Law:

Article (1)
This Law shall be called "Dubai Maritime City Law No. (11) of 2007".

Article (2)
Wherever used in this Law, the following terms shall, unless otherwise required by the context, have the meanings set forth against them respectively:

Emirate: The Emirate of Dubai
Ruler: His Highness the Ruler of Dubai
City: Dubai Maritime City
Authority: The Authority of the City
Chairman: Chairman of the Authority

Article (3)

  1. A city shall hereby be established in the name "Dubai Maritime City" which borders are designated by the map attached hereto.
  2. For operation of the City, an authority shall be formed in the name "Dubai Maritime City Authority" which shall have corporate entity and financial and administrative independence; it may own movable and immovable property and may carry out all legal acts necessary for achievement of its objects. The Authority shall be affiliated to the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation.

Article (4)
The Authority shall aim to enhance the position of the Emirate and to make it a center, without limitation, of the following maritime sectors:

  1. Maritime services;
  2. Maritime management;
  3. Vessel and yacht registration;
  4. Vessel and yacht ownership and charter;
  5. Maritime and educational research;
  6. Vessel and yacht design and building;
  7. Maritime shipment organization;
  8. Maritime exhibitions, conferences, training and workshops;
  9. Maritime tourism; and
  10. Maritime specialized arbitration.

Article (5)
For attainment of its objectives, the Authority shall have the following powers:

  1. To establish the rules and regulations necessary for implementation of this Law, including registration of vessels and yachts and maritime traffic and shipment within the boarders of the City.
  2. To issue licenses to maritime related individuals, companies, corporations and consultants who wish to carry on various maritime activities and activities related thereto.
  3. To provide companies, corporations and individuals with managerial, technical and professional staff and workers on the terms and conditions agreed on between the Authority and the applicant.
  4. To receive fees in consideration of the services offered by the Authority.
  5. To own, sell, lease, mortgage or otherwise dispose of land and facilities.
  6. To establish and manage infrastructure and buildings of the Authority.
  7. To establish companies within and without the City in participation and partnership with others.
  8. To cooperate with local and international maritime corporations and authorities.
  9. To invest the funds of the Authority and to employ them in commercial, financial or services sectors.

Article (6)
The Authority shall license all types of maritime activities or activities related thereto, including the following:

  1. Vessel and yacht ownership;
  2. Operation of vessels and vessels' operations;
  3. Operation of vessels;
  4. Shipping agencies;
  5. Vessel and shipment charter and brokerage;
  6. Loading and unloading of cargo;
  7. Maritime classification entities;
  8. Maritime surveyors and inspectors;
  9. Maritime insurance;
  10. Maritime finance;
  11. Maritime shipment organization entities;
  12. Maritime tourism, entertainment and cruise industry;
  13. Maritime seismic survey, drilling and supply vehicles;
  14. Fishing and fish farms;
  15. Ship and yacht building and repair;
  16. Warehousing;
  17. Maritime equipment;
  18. Maritime information system;
  19. Maritime investigation, survey and photography;
  20. Maritime education, training and research;
  21. Maritime conferences and workshops; and
  22. Any other activities relating to the functions of the City as approved by the Chairman.

Article (7)
The administration of the Authority shall consist of the Chairman, the executive director and the executive staff.

Article (8)

  1. The chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation shall be the Chairman of the Authority.
  2. The executive director of the Authority shall be appointed and his powers shall be specified by resolution of the Chairman.

Article (9)
Violations of any provisions of this Law, the regulations issued hereunder or any terms of any license issued by the Authority shall be subject to the civil penalties specified by special regulations issued by the Chairman.

Article (10)
The Chairman shall issue all the rules, regulations and resolutions necessary for the operation and administration of the City.

Article (11)
The Authority may vest in any one or more corporate person(s) (hereinafter the "Operator(s)") the administration and operation of all or any of the operations carried out in the land of the City, including investment and development of the Authority's funds. The Authority may enter into contracts for transfer, assignment, mortgage or otherwise disposal of the assets of the Authority on the terms and for the purposes considered proper by the Authority. The Chairman shall sign all the necessary documents and contracts with the Operator(s). The Authority shall not be responsible for the debts and liabilities of the Operator(s) or any other parties.

Article (12)
The Authority, within its boarders, the companies and individuals operating in the Authority's land shall not be governed, in relation to their operations, by the local rules and regulations of Dubai Municipality, Department of Economic Development, Rent Committee, Department of Tourism and Commercial Marketing, Road and Transportation Authority or the authorities and entities within their respective jurisdictions.

Article (13)
An entity may carry on its activity in the City only upon obtaining the necessary license from the Authority.

Article (14)
The financial resources of the Authority shall consist of:

  1. The financial support allocated to the Authority in the budget of the Emirate.
  2. The fees and charges received in consideration of the services offered by the Authority.
  3. The grants and gifts received by the Authority and accepted by the Chairman.
  4. Any other resources approved by the Chairman.

Article (15)
Any contradicting provision in any other legislation shall hereby be revoked to the extent of their contradiction with this Law.

Article (16)
This Law shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall come into effect as of the date of issuance.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Ruler of Dubai

Issued in Dubai on 3 June 2007
Corresponding to 17 Jumada Awla 1428 H.

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