Dubai’s Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) reported a landmark year, with commercial operations totaling AED 708 billion and a continued global leadership in trade.

CEO Nasser Al Neyadi framed PCFC as the modern continuation of Dubai’s historic Furda Department (established in 1886), driving fast growth, safety, and global connectivity through AI, digital transformation, and sustainability.

Al Neyadi highlighted the organisation’s evolution from Dubai’s Furda Department to a worldwide leader in smart ports, digitalization, and sustainable operations, underscoring continuity and growth.

Looking ahead, a new restructuring plan for Jebel Ali Free Zone aims to enable major expansions with modern infrastructure, potentially reshaping Dubai’s investment landscape for the next five decades.

As part of Dubai’s 2025 agenda, the Dubai Ports Code will set technical standards for port and marina infrastructure, aligning domestic growth with international best practices.

Dubai Ports Code is envisioned to position Dubai as a global reference for marine infrastructure development through standardized, future-facing projects.

Dubai’s luxury marine tourism is expanding, with a 149% rise in incoming foreign yachts in the first half of 2025, totaling 97 yachts compared with 39 in the same period last year.

PCFC is pursuing a broad digital strategy that leverages AI, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure, featuring Port Eye for drone and AI inspections, Marsa for unified smart marina management, and Digital 04 for nationwide maritime digital solutions.

The overarching message is Dubai’s continued leadership in trade, sustainability, and competitiveness, supported by ongoing investments and innovative projects expected to drive growth for decades.

Projects like Port Eye, Marsa, and Digital 04 are central to modernizing maritime operations, enhancing efficiency and safety across Dubai’s ports and marina network.

PCFC operates across 146 ports in 76 countries, employing about 155,000 people, and supervises assets such as Mina Rashid, Al Hamriya, and Jebel Ali Port, while overseeing JAFZA—the world’s largest free zone—within an integrated ecosystem of over 12,000 companies and half a million jobs, with expansion plans to sustain growth over the next 50 years.