Link September Issue SEP 2017 fin | Page 21

Infrastructure Infrastructure Growth of maritime tourism gives major boost to UAE’s global competitiveness Al Nuaimi: “Ambitious development projects and advanced infrastructure make the country a leading maritime tourism destination” H .E. Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Balheif Al Nuaimi, UAE Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Authority for Land and Maritime Transport, says that the growth of the maritime tourism sector in recent years reflects the UAE’s position as o ne of the most developed countries in the world based on the seaports index. H.E. noted that this steady expansion will support the UAE’s nomination as a Category B member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This, he said, is in line with the UAE’s desire to broaden its contributions to the development of the global maritime sector through the establishment and enforcement of maritime regulations and laws. The Minister further explained that the increasing number of cruise lines docking at UAE ports supports the maritime sector’s function as a significant global maritime player. He said: “The UAE prioritizes all aspects of the maritime sector, especially maritime tourism which is playing a greater role in the development of the local maritime cluster, driving economic growth, as well as promoting tourism and economic diversification. The country’s tourism infrastructure is being rapidly expanded to welcome the surge September 2017 21