The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster their maritime relations.

Under the MOU, both MPA and DMCA will explore opportunities for collaboration in the area of planning and regulation of marinas and waterways. Other possible areas of co-operation include promoting maritime environment protection as well as conducting maritime training and research.

Mr Ali Aldaboos, Executive Director of DMCA says he looks forward to working more closely with MPA. "Working closely with a world leading maritime authority such as the MPA will certainly help DMCA to boost our efforts to grow a sustainable and vibrant maritime sector in this part of the world. We are very delighted for the signing of this MOU as it represents a great milestone for DMCA indeed. We will work with our esteemed colleagues at MPA towards greater levels of coordination and the development of joint projects in the very near future."

Singapore is keen to strengthen its ties with the Middle East, a strategic region for Singapore. Beyond this MOU, MPA has worked with the United Arab Emirates in enhancing the safety of navigation and protection of marine environment in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) through the Co-operative Mechanism for the SOMS.

"On behalf of MPA, we are pleased to be signing an MOU with DMCA which will pave the way for further collaboration between both parties. Singapore and the UAE enjoy warm and friendly bilateral relations and close cooperation in the maritime arena," says Mr Yee Cheok Hong, MPA Group Director (Policy & Planning).

End of Release.

About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore's strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore's port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, grow the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.

From left: Mr Ali Aldaboos, Executive Director of DMCA and Mr Yee Cheok Hong, MPA Group Director (Policy & Planning).