At the 2025 GITEX Global technology event, the Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA) announced “Marsa,” the first digital platform for the management and leasing of marine berths in Dubai.
The DMA, part of the Port, Customs, and Free Zones Corporation, plans to utilize the platform to digitalize the Emirate’s marina sector by reducing paperwork and streamlining operations.
Through the process of automation, Marsa will cover all service stages from berth booking online and automatic fee calculation to smart payments and invoicing.
The platform is the first in the region, integrating the DMA’s licensing systems and payment gateways, to, according to the CEO of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, H.E. Nasser Al Neyadi, serve the 20 Dubai marinas which the Authority oversees, that hold the capacity to accommodate 4,200 vessels.
“The launch of the MARSA platform reflects Dubai’s vision of transitioning toward a fully integrated digital economy. We are building a smart infrastructure that promotes efficiency, transparency, and user-friendly experiences across the maritime sector,” said Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Dubai Maritime Authority
He added: “We are committed to leveraging advanced technologies to enable a sustainable and integrated maritime ecosystem that supports economic growth and reaffirms Dubai’s status as a global leader in maritime services and government innovation,” he added.
Recently, the DMA introduced the “Dine and Dock” scheme, an initiative allowing owners, captains, and crew members to gain access to services from 20 of Dubai’s marinas.
Members are granted free moorage at the included properties, in addition to access to dining options at various restaurants within a 45-minute to one-hour proximity to the dock. Booking responses for restaurants, hotels, and entertainment options are streamlined to happen between five minutes and an hour, with direct contact to the venues.