DP World, the Dubai-based provider of smart end-to-end supply chain logistics, said its kdey platform, NAU by DP World, has achieved a shipping volume of more than 255,000 tonnes in 2020, with 1,762 dhows registered in the application. 

 

NAU by DP World is a digital marketplace and an aggregator of cargo 'dhows', traditional wooden vessels. Launched officially in February, NAU connects Dhow owners with traders allowing them to search, negotiate and book shipments.

 

The platform represents a digital transformation of the traditional industry, effectively ushering in a new era of smart trade that DP World enables and promotes.

 

The app uses the latest AI technologies to connect traders with the boat captains.

 

This has increased the number of cargo operations through the application from 295 operations in October 2020 to 394 in November and 477 in December.

 

NAU has been a very useful tool in supporting cargo movement activity for traditional dhows on Dubai creek. 

 

From 2009 to 2018, Dubai's external trade through Dubai Creek made AED122 billion, and the volume of shipments reached 10.564 million tonnes. Goods included textiles, phones, air conditioners, electric appliances and foodstuff.

 

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World group chairman and CEO and Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, said: "Our strategy to develop Dubai's capabilities as a main regional and global hub for trade includes the advancement of the emirate's trade through traditional wooden vessels."

 

"This trade has been playing a main role in the development of Dubai, and our efforts are directed at giving these dhows an enhanced role in the continuous expansion of Dubai's trade to include all sectors and markets; small and medium-seized regional and international ports, as well as large ports with which our trade has been prospering," he added.

 

According to him, Dhow Captains (locally called 'Naukhda') now have the facility to view business requests from traders that match their  planned trade routes and available Dhow space. 

 

Accordingly, the app helps Naukhdas to effectively plan their trips, optimise efficiency in Dhow space utilisation and ultimately generate higher revenues. Traders, on the other hand, can search for availability of cargo dhows in Dubai, based on their requirements. If dhows are not readily available at the time of their search, traders can post a request.

 

Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO & Managing Director, DP World - UAE Region, said: "The continuous development of the NAU application comes as part of our comprehensive strategy at DP World - UAE Region in the adoption of the latest technologies that support our pioneering position in terms of port capabilities and in the service of world trade."

 

"We will continue our development and support of dhow trade, and that will also attract more dhows to Dubai in coming years," he stated.

 

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, said: "Our efforts integrate with the DP World's efforts and all the entities under the umbrella of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) to help develop this important sector. We provide outstanding services and facilities to ensure quicker and more streamlined dhow trade."

 

Musabih added that Creek Customs and Deira Wharfage Centers dealt with around 18,000 vessels in 2019, compared to 15,603 in 2018, marking a 15.3% growth.