West P&I has officially opened its new office in Dubai, located in Central Park Towers at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The move follows the club’s launch event on November 4, at Attiko Dubai, attended by members, brokers, board members, and key dignitaries.

This marks West’s seventh global base, joining offices in Hong Kong, London, Luxembourg, New York, Piraeus, and Singapore. It is also the first International Group (IG) Club to establish a presence in the Middle East.

The decision underscores the region’s growing importance in the maritime industry and reflects the club’s commitment to expanding its footprint in this key hub.

Currently, members from the Middle East, Africa, and India represent 14.5% of West’s total entered tonnage. The club expects this figure to rise significantly over the next decade, as interest in the Dubai office grows among existing members and new clients.

Captain Gagan Dhillon has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Dubai to lead the regional office. He brings 27 years of shipping experience, including as a Master Mariner and leadership roles in another IG P&I Club. He is joined by Sotiris Tzintanos, a bilingual lawyer with expertise in the Middle Eastern and Greek markets.

Enam Hussain has been promoted to Head of Middle East Operations and Offshore. He will oversee operations in the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Turkey, and Africa, while managing the club’s new offshore team.

The Dubai office will focus on claims handling and member relations for the UAE, Gulf region, and Indian subcontinent. These efforts will be supported by claims teams in London and Piraeus. Underwriting and business development will remain coordinated by Nigel Burridge and Gary Henderson in London.

Tom Bowsher, Group Chief Executive Officer of West P&I, said: “Regionalisation is a key part of our strategy, and this office has further enhanced the quality and personal touch of our services to existing Members, as well as supporting our new business development in the region across all product lines. I am delighted that Gagan and Sotiris have chosen to join the West to lead this new office.”

Captain Gagan Dhillon commented: “I am delighted to have joined West to run the new office in the UAE. Dubai is an increasingly important and vibrant hub of shipping in the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. This base and the local team position us at the heart of a growing maritime market for owners, charterers, and traders.”

The UAE government’s efforts to position the country as a leading international maritime hub complement West’s expansion.

With its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and focus on innovation, Dubai is now ranked the third most desirable city for maritime headquarters, after Singapore and London. West remains the only IG Club with a base in the region. - TradeArabia News Service