Dubai:Dubai Maritime City (DMC) has reported significant growth in the first nine months of 2026, with 18 new leases signed, covering over 572,000 square feet of industrial and commercial space. This expansion has led to a sixfold increase in revenue compared to the same period last year.
According to Emirates News Agency, ship repair and marine manufacturing have become the fastest-growing sectors at DMC. The businesses at DMC operate under two leasing structures a renewable one-year agreement or a 25-year Musataha agreement, which allows companies to develop their own ship repair or shipbuilding workshops on site. Companies using prebuilt units are already operational, while those under Musataha agreements are currently in the construction phase.
The new lease agreements demonstrate sustained confidence in Dubai as a strategic hub for regional and international markets, with 72 percent of these agreements signed after February. Ahmed Al Hammadi, COO of DMC, noted that companies are choosing to establish their facilities in Dubai, committing to long-term investments in infrastructure and equipment. This commitment ensures that shipowners and operators benefit from enhanced repair capacity, reduced turnaround times, and comprehensive service offerings.
Dubai has secured its position as a leading maritime city, ranking first in the Arab world and 11th globally, According to Leading Maritime Cities Report by DNV and Menon Economics. Additionally, DMC has launched its second Maritime Business Centre earlier this year, with a premium commercial tower valued at AED160 million, further boosting Grade A office space within Dubai's maritime and trade sectors.
