logo
Drydocks World launches competition to name Middle East's mightiest crane

Drydocks World launches competition to name Middle East's mightiest crane

Gulf Today4 days ago
Drydocks World, Dubai's original shipyard and a DP World company, has launched an emirate-wide competition to name a major new addition to its world-class engineering portfolio—a 5,000-tonne floating crane.
As the largest of its kind in the Middle East and Africa, the crane represents the latest in a series of groundbreaking engineering innovations, underscoring the company's ongoing commitment to maritime excellence.
Opened in Mina Rashid by the visionary ruler of Dubai, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, in 1979, Drydocks World stood at the forefront of the UAE's rise as a global maritime and industrial hub. For over four decades, the shipyard has repaired some of the world's largest tankers and built cutting-edge floating infrastructure.
Now, Drydocks World is inviting all residents—from engineers and students to poets and business pioneers—to help give this colossal machine a name that reflects its purpose and significance.
The Floating Sheerleg Crane is being constructed by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (ZPMC) and will be delivered to Dubai in the summer of 2026. But the name must be finalised now, before it is permanently engraved onto the crane during fabrication, becoming part of its identity for decades to come.
Designed to lift loads of up to 5,000 tonnes to a height of 120 metres above water, the floating crane is being hailed as a modern marvel of maritime engineering. Once operational, it will strengthen Drydocks World's ability to deliver mega maritime and energy projects.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said, 'This crane is more than machinery. It's a symbol of Dubai's ambition, resilience and engineering excellence. We are building something extraordinary. Now we invite the people of Dubai to help give it a name that reflects our shared values, heritage, and vision for the future.'
Captain Rado Antolovic, PhD, CEO of Drydocks World, added, 'For over 40 years, Drydocks World has supported the UAE's rise as a global maritime hub. This new crane represents the next leap forward in scale, capability, and innovation.'
With a maximum lift of 5,000 tonnes, the crane can lift 400 double-decker buses or twenty-five wide-body aircraft. When fully extended, it's 180-metre reach matches the rooftop height of the iconic Burj Al Arab, placing it among the most powerful and visually impressive cranes in the world.
The competition is open to all residents. Participants are invited to suggest a name with cross-cultural appeal, symbolising strength, maritime heritage, innovation and the UAE's future.
Entries must include proposed names in Arabic or English, along with a brief explanation of its meaning and inspiration.
Names will be shortlisted by a panel of experts including Drydocks World leadership, Emirati cultural figures, and branding specialists.
With the F1 Championship set for another thrilling ending at the Yas Marina Circuit in December, DP World is giving one lucky fan the chance to win a signed full-size 2025 McLaren Racing helmet.
WAM
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Can Somaliland's Berbera Port anchor African trade security?
Can Somaliland's Berbera Port anchor African trade security?

The National

time30 minutes ago

  • The National

Can Somaliland's Berbera Port anchor African trade security?

While Houthi attacks in the Red Sea pose a clear and present danger to the vital trade artery and the rising port congestion in the region throws another spanner in the works, Africa needs another trade hub. Could Somaliland's port city of Berbera be the answer? Analysts and officials see it as a feasible alternative to current trading hubs in Africa such as Djibouti, and say the port city is a buffer against regional and global supply chain disruptions. Recent investments from the UK and the UAE's DP World are reflective of that view. With mounting security concerns and congestion forcing longer docking waiting time in other regional ports, the flow of investments to Berbera is rising. DP World, one of the top global port operators in the world, alone has invested more than $400 million in Berbera's expansion since 2017. The port is located near the Bab Al Mandeb strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is a choke point for global shipping. Nearly 10 per cent of global trade, including a significant share of oil and container traffic between Europe and Asia, passes through this corridor. The significance of this part of the region cannot be understated, as it accounts for up to 12 per cent of global oil transported by sea, according to data from the International Chamber of Shipping. However, Berbera currently accounts for only about 0.06 per cent of global container traffic, so it has handling capacity to offer more to shipping lines, the engine of global trade. Ethiopia's new trade lifeline With the rise in investments, Berbera has started to relieve some pressure in the strait. It has also given landlocked Ethiopia a second maritime gateway, reducing its dependence on Djibouti and providing the country with an alternative trade route to skirt disruptions in the Red Sea. Last year, Somaliland signed an agreement to lease a 20km stretch of coastline to its neighbour, a move that caused a diplomatic row and prompted Somalia to summon the Ethiopian ambassador in protest. Mogadishu does not recognise the breakaway Somaliland, which seceded amid a civil war in 1991. 'The vision of the Somaliland government and DP World is to make Berbera a regional marine trade and industrial hub,' Supachai Wattanaveerachai, chief executive for DP World's Horn of Africa operations, told a Somaliland-UAE investment conference in June. 'We know Ethiopians need multiple gateways to connect to world trade and for us, with Somaliland, we need to provide services.' Ethiopia currently relies on Djibouti for about 90 per cent of its maritime trade, paying more than $1.5 billion a year in port and transit fees alone. Berbera could slash this cost by up to 30 per cent, according to analysts. Dean Mikkelsen, an independent maritime and logistics analyst, said Berbera is 'increasingly seen as a viable option to Djibouti, particularly amid the instability' in the Red Sea. 'Its position near Bab Al Mandeb enables direct access to one of the world's busiest shipping corridors, while remaining just out of the immediate range of Houthi attacks,' he told The National. With its structural challenges, expensive pricing and geopolitical concentration Berbera is a better option than Djibouti in terms of trade resilience, 'even with Somaliland's uncertain political status', Mr Mikkelsen said. 'Djibouti's geopolitical congestion is a result of the fact that many foreign countries operate military bases from the US, China, France, Japan, Italy and Saudi Arabia and that it is located near conflict-scarred areas such as Yemen – a complex geopolitical environment that can impede the safe flow of goods and add operational risk. Djibouti, he said, still matters, but it certainly suffers from crowding. The country's overdependence on Chinese debt to fuel growth also makes it vulnerable to sudden shifts in economic fortunes, he explained. 'Berbera's growth under DP World has brought new deepwater berths and better container capacity, offering shippers a credible alternative that reduces exposure to geopolitical risks. Ironically, it is Djibouti's own limits that are pushing the change along.' Rise in western backing and security concerns Somaliland is also deepening its strategic defence co-operation with the US, which bodes well for its prospects of growth. 'This includes collaborations with US Africa Command to enhance security in the vital shipping lanes of the Gulf of Aden,' Mr Mikkelsen said. 'Somaliland has publicly offered to host an American military base, reinforcing its position as a stable and co-operative partner in the region.' Quoting data from British International Investment Projects, he said by 2035, the Port of Berbera will enable trade equivalent to about 27 per cent of Somaliland's gross domestic product and 8 per cent of Ethiopia's GDP. The development of Berbera port is becoming 'increasingly important' in the regional trade perspective, Saeed Al Zari, group vice president for government affairs at DP World, told The National. DP World is already working on bringing new infrastructure to Somaliland, including edible oil tanks in Berbera, a move that has led to the opening of the International Finance and Food Company's edible oil plant and the soon-to-be-launched Essa Al Ghurair plant, he said. The future plans aim to improve 'the quality of edible oil available in the region, reducing the price of this essential commodity and now supplying both Ethiopia and Puntland', he said. A rise with limits However, Berbera's emergence is not without limits. Somaliland's lack of international recognition presents legal ambiguity and curbs access to funding. But investors appear to be warming to the region. 'A big investment has already been made in Somaliland,' said Abdirahman Hassan Nur, Somaliland's Minister of Trade and Tourism. 'DP World is an example. I believe many other investors are already in the pipeline.' Mr Wattanaveerachai said that when DP World took over the port, it could handle less than 100,000, but the capacity has risen to 500,000. 'Today, we have transformed the Berbera port, not just in capacity but in efficiency. All run by locals – Somaliland people,' he said. The vision of Somaliland is to develop Berbera as a hub of economic development where companies can open offices without being physically located in Berbera, he added. The UAE-Somaliland investment conference in June brought together regional stakeholders including Dubai Chambers and Al Marzooqi Group of Companies. The aim was to attract more investment and highlight Berbera's potential. 'Despite the lack of international recognition, Somaliland has demonstrated the ability to manage critical infrastructure and ensure a level of operational stability. The Somaliland Port Authority, as the governing authority of Somaliland ports, manages the interaction with the security forces responsible for security in Berbera,' Mr Al Zari said. 'Berbera is revolutionising the logistics network in the Horn of Africa and reducing the cost of importation for some of the poorest people in the world.' Analysts urge caution Carl Sykes, group managing director of Neptune P2P Group, however, cautioned against hopes of Berbera attaining total regional dominance. 'Berbera port is emerging as a viable alternative to Djibouti, but it remains modest in scale at under 500,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit annually, compared to Djibouti's multimillion-TEU capacity,' he told The National. 'While Berbera has made impressive gains in efficiency and cargo growth, it lacks the regional security guarantees enjoyed by Djibouti, which is protected by multiple international military bases.' He said Berbera had the potential to serve as a modest buffer in regional supply chains but said its affect on global supply chain shocks was 'likely to remain limited given its relatively small scale, emerging infrastructure and geopolitical sensitivities'. Mr Mikkelsen, however, argued that the second phase of Berbera Port's expansion will begin once 75 per cent of current capacity is utilised, with plans to boost throughput to 2 million TEUs annually, following DP World's completion of the first phase that increased capacity to 500,000 TEUs. 'Djibouti's restraints are forcing the push for alternatives. Berbera's location and continual improvements are meeting this need,' he said. 'At a time when supply chain resilience is a global imperative, Berbera is well-placed to be a powerful trade facilitator between Africa and the Middle East.' In addition, international recognition of the region or a stable deal with Somalia would allow Berbera to realise its full potential as a central hub for regional trade, he said.

UAE PASS evolving toward a smarter, people-first future
UAE PASS evolving toward a smarter, people-first future

Al Etihad

time7 hours ago

  • Al Etihad

UAE PASS evolving toward a smarter, people-first future

25 July 2025 00:48 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)With over 11 million users and 1.5 million digital transactions taking place every day, UAE PASS stands as a clear success in advancing the nation's vision for a smart government — but its development is far from over. Mira Sultan, one of the Emirati women among the project's pioneers, speaks to Aletihad about the growing significance of the nation's digital identity system and how it is evolving as a future-ready platform. 'Our digital government journey is driven by a clear ambition: to deliver seamless, secure, and proactive services that meet people's needs without friction,' said Sultan, Senior Director of the Digital Enabling Platforms Department at Digital Dubai and a National Expert in NEP Cohort 4. 'The next milestones focus on accelerating full digital service delivery, deepening integration across entities, and enhancing personalisation through secure data exchange,' she said. Continuously evolving through user feedback and testing, the digital identity system is being enhanced to deliver a seamless, AI-driven experience. By expanding the use of e-signatures and paperless solutions, UAE PASS is set to fully replace outdated processes and power a smarter, more connected country.'The goal is not merely to digitise existing services, but to rethink how the government functions, removing complexity, increasing efficiency, and making services available anywhere, anytime, and on any device,' Sultan said. UAE PASS links individuals to thousands of online services with a secure, single login — eliminating the need for users to create multiple accounts or visit customer care centres. Usage and feedback are closely monitored through a combination of quantitative and qualitative channels, Sultan said. 'With over 1.5 million daily transactions and thousands of new users joining every day, the growth itself is a key indicator of satisfaction and usability.''What sets it apart and makes it truly game-changing is how it simplifies and unifies digital identity, access, and signature across both government and private sectors,' she added. With emerging AI solutions, the UAE PASS team is now looking to 'deliver more personalised experiences, enhance accessibility, and enable smarter service recommendations', Sultan said. 'Operationally, AI helps us detect patterns, predict demand, and optimise delivery. All of this is governed by robust privacy and data protection frameworks. The future of UAE PASS lies in becoming more intelligent, responsive, and deeply integrated into citizens' daily lives.'The move toward paperless governance is anchored in national infrastructure, which includes the digital ID, online payment platforms, cloud services, and secure data sharing channels, Sultan said. 'Together, they enable a frictionless government that operates 24/7, anytime, anywhere. The ultimate goal is not just digitalisation, it is elevating the quality of life for every resident.' A Shared Vision Back when the UAE PASS was just a concept, days were filled with 'bold ideas and big questions', Sultan said. They asked: Is it really possible to create such a system? 'Could we unify digital identity across a diverse ecosystem? Could we convince entities to move away from their current identity systems entirely?' she recalled. Sultan admitted that the journey was challenging — but also 'incredibly rewarding', as the team was driven by a deep sense of responsibility to shape a platform that reflects the nation's values and empowers its people.'The trust placed in me, along with the shared vision we embraced as a team inspired me to push boundaries,' she said. Her personal motivation was rooted in impact.'I have always believed that true transformation happens when technology improves everyday lives. The opportunity to contribute to a national platform that embodies this mission, by saving time, enabling secure interactions, and simplifying life, was deeply motivating,' Sultan her, it wasn't just about launching a new tool but 'reshaping how people connect with government in the digital era'.Sultan's leadership journey has been moulded by the National Experts Programme (NEP), of which she is a graduate.'NEP has played a transformative role in sharpening my strategic lens. The focus on five leadership mindsets — global, analytical, reflective, collaborative, and execution-driven — empowered me to approach digital transformation with a broader perspective,' she said. Looking ahead, Sultan sees the UAE PASS evolving beyond its role as a gateway to services. 'It should remain human-centred, inclusive, and resilient in the face of change. My hope is that UAE PASS continues to inspire other nations while always keeping people at its core.' Early this year, the UAE PASS application has won the Gold Award in the International General Authority category for the 16th Edition of the Public Sector Transformation Awards, an annual global event that celebrates innovation culture and showcases best practices in the government sector.

DP World Platform Surpasses $1bn Trade Finance Milestone
DP World Platform Surpasses $1bn Trade Finance Milestone

Arabian Post

timea day ago

  • Arabian Post

DP World Platform Surpasses $1bn Trade Finance Milestone

DP World Trade Finance has crossed the $1 billion threshold in working capital provided to businesses in emerging markets, marking a significant milestone just four years after launching its integrated logistics-finance platform. The achievement reflects growing momentum behind digital trade finance solutions aimed at bridging the $2.5 trillion global trade finance gap, which continues to weigh heavily on small and medium-sized enterprises in developing economies. The platform, operated by Dubai-headquartered DP World, leverages its international logistics network to offer businesses easier access to working capital by connecting them to a wide range of financial institutions. The model blends supply chain data with financing, offering lenders real-time visibility into shipments, payment cycles, and trade routes, effectively mitigating credit risk in previously underserved markets. Since its inception, DP World Trade Finance has built partnerships with more than 32 global and regional banks and financial institutions, including major players such as J. P. Morgan, Standard Bank, and NedBank. These collaborations, coupled with DP World's own lending operations, have enabled the platform to unlock capital across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. ADVERTISEMENT Small and medium-sized businesses, often constrained by insufficient collateral, weak credit histories, and limited financial disclosure, face structural challenges in obtaining trade finance. DP World's platform seeks to address these barriers by leveraging the company's position as a global logistics operator to provide data-backed financing alternatives, thereby reducing underwriting friction and enhancing lender confidence. The company stated that it is not merely offering credit but transforming the financing ecosystem by making trade finance an integrated part of the logistics value chain. By embedding financial tools within supply chains, businesses are able to finance imports and exports with faster turnaround times and lower administrative burdens, contributing to more resilient cross-border trade in challenging environments. Despite the ongoing growth in global merchandise trade, access to affordable credit remains elusive for many firms, particularly in Africa and South Asia. Traditional lenders frequently shy away from these markets due to perceived risks, regulatory complexities, and lack of reliable credit data. DP World's platform intervenes at this intersection, using shipment visibility and trade documentation to create a more transparent credit environment. The platform's model benefits lenders by reducing default probabilities through continuous cargo tracking, document authentication, and end-to-end logistics monitoring. For borrowers, the approach improves access to working capital at competitive rates without the need for excessive collateralisation. This innovation is particularly critical for export-oriented SMEs whose liquidity cycles are directly linked to the movement of goods. DP World executives underscored that the $1 billion milestone demonstrates the scalability of their approach and its relevance to global development goals. As more businesses come online through the platform, the data generated enhances the predictive power of risk assessment tools, allowing for further expansion of credit services to previously excluded sectors. ADVERTISEMENT As global interest in digital trade finance grows, DP World's integrated offering positions it as a unique player capable of combining infrastructure, technology, and financial services under one roof. The initiative is aligned with broader trends in trade digitalisation, where supply chain finance is evolving from siloed, paper-based processes into data-driven, platform-oriented ecosystems. In a statement outlining the growth strategy, DP World confirmed it will continue deepening relationships with existing financial partners while exploring new alliances in frontier markets. The company is also expanding its suite of services to include invoice discounting, buyer-led financing, and trade credit insurance, targeting a more comprehensive set of use cases tailored to the realities of smaller exporters and importers. Analysts tracking the trade finance space have noted that such platform-led models are redefining the competitive landscape by enabling greater financial inclusion through data interoperability and workflow automation. DP World's infrastructure-led approach provides a critical anchor in this evolving market, particularly for trade corridors linking South-South economies that suffer from chronic financing shortages. The trade finance gap, which widened during pandemic-induced disruptions, remains one of the biggest constraints on global development and inclusive trade. Multilateral institutions and development finance agencies have called for stronger public-private collaboration to address structural imbalances. DP World's milestone reflects the growing role that corporates with global infrastructure can play in accelerating financial access, especially in jurisdictions where traditional banking penetration is low. The initiative also comes at a time when economic recovery in many emerging markets depends on the ability of SMEs to restart cross-border trade. With inflation and currency pressures squeezing cash flow, platforms offering collateral-light, shipment-backed financing are emerging as vital instruments to support the continuity of supply chains.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store