Dubai’s strategic role in global commerce and maritime trade was strongly reaffirmed this week following an exceptional annual performance announcement by the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC). His Excellency Nasser Al Neyadi, CEO of the PCFC, revealed on December 5, 2025, that the entity’s commercial operations generated a significant AED708 billion throughout 2024, emphasizing its essential function in facilitating international trade flows and bolstering the emirate’s financial resilience and long-term competitiveness. Speaking at a “Meet the CEO” session hosted by the Government of Dubai Media Office, Al Neyadi detailed how the PCFC’s achievements transcend mere statistics, aligning instead with the forward-thinking developmental vision championed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
A Legacy of Maritime Leadership
The PCFC’s substantial impact is rooted in Dubai’s long history as a trading hub. Al Neyadi traced the corporation’s origins back to the establishment of the Furda Department in 1886 on the shores of Dubai Creek. This early institution served as the foundation for modern trade in the emirate, propelling Dubai from modest beginnings to become one of the world’s most significant commercial and maritime centers.
The CEO noted that the PCFC, one of the oldest public entities in the region, continues to embody Dubai’s goal of being the fastest-growing, safest, and most globally connected city. Through ongoing, disciplined investment in advanced technologies, digital infrastructure, and sustainability initiatives, the PCFC is securing Dubai’s reputation as a world leader in developing smart maritime ports and advanced trade solutions.
“From 1886 until today, the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation continues to embody Dubai’s ambition,” Al Neyadi stated. “With bold leadership and ongoing investment in AI, digital transformation, and sustainability, the PCFC is steadily advancing Dubai’s position as the world’s leading center for the development of smart maritime ports and trade.”
Driving Economic Growth and Global Reach
The PCFC functions as a critical engine for Dubai’s economy, overseeing not only Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)—the world’s largest free zone—but an integrated economic ecosystem of over 12,000 global and regional companies. This infrastructure sustains more than half a million direct and indirect jobs.
Highlighting future development, Al Neyadi announced a major restructuring plan for JAFZA designed to usher in significant expansions built upon modern infrastructure. This transformation aims to attract more global businesses, fundamentally reshaping Dubai’s investment landscape for the coming decades. He stressed the importance of performance metrics, noting that the organization’s primary focus is self-improvement: “The real competition is with ourselves—the numbers we achieved previously—and the level of excellence, which we strive to raise year after year.”
The corporation’s influence extends far beyond the UAE, managing operations in over 146 ports worldwide across 76 countries and employing a global workforce of 155,000 people. Domestically, the PCFC manages key facilities including Mina Rashid, Al Hamriya Port, and Jebel Ali Port, alongside local hubs supporting fisheries and marine activities.
Major Projects Bolster Connectivity and Technology
In line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the PCFC launched several major initiatives in 2025 to cement the emirate’s competitive business environment. A cornerstone project is the ‘Dubai Ports Code,’ the first of its kind globally, establishing a comprehensive set of technical standards for developing and managing ports and marinas worldwide.
Technology remains central to the PCFC strategy, which includes robust deployment of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity measures, and cloud infrastructure. Key digital projects include:
- ‘Port Eye’: A monitoring system utilizing drones and AI for infrastructure inspection and enhanced maritime safety.
- ‘Marsa’: A unified smart platform for marina management, significantly streamlining leasing and reducing processing times.
- ‘Digital 04’: A national initiative focused on providing digital solutions to transform global maritime trade and operational management.
Reflecting Dubai’s appeal as a tourism destination, the CEO reported a 149% surge in incoming foreign yachts during the first half of the year, with 97 vessels arriving compared to 39 in the same period in 2024. This increase underscores rising international confidence in Dubai’s advanced infrastructure and world-class services, positioning it among the premier global yachting destinations. The PCFC’s continuous investments signal a commitment to maintaining Dubai’s status as a pivotal nexus of global trade and innovation.