DP World’s innovation stall at Dubai Mall a resounding success

Over 10,000 people visited DP World’s week-long exhibition on innovation in port operations and supply chain management at Dubai Mall last week, with Dubai’s ruler and top government officials among the VIPs.     

UAE Minister of State HE Reem Al Hashimi, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and General Security Lt Gen Dhahi Khalfan, Dubai Protocol Department Director-General HE Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman, Minister of Environment and Water HE Dr Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahad, and Dubai Executive Council Secretary-General HE Abdullah Al Shaibani also attended.

Visitors saw some of the advanced technology employed across DP World’s network of global ports, including Rotterdam World Gateway in The Netherlands and at its flagship Jebel Ali Port in Dubai. The exhibition also raised awareness on the role the company plays in the lives of Dubai residents and how the goods in supermarkets and malls have come through its ports.

Several of the company’s container terminals are already fitted with semi-automated ship-to-shore cranes that can lift four containers simultaneously. Visitors were able to experience the work of a quay crane operator using state-of-the-art simulators, witnessing first-hand the efficiencies realised due to innovative technology.

Security drones and autonomous robotic vehicles that navigate container yards, carrying container boxes from one place to another all on their own were among the other highlights. Visitors were guided through the maze of interactive games, virtual reality experiences and video clips.

The tours also shed light on the impact of ports on the local economy, with 90% of goods in Dubai coming in through Jebel Ali port, while the port and free zone together generate 20% of Dubai’s GDP.

DP World Vice President for Innovation, Sarah Falaknaz, said: “Growth and change are two symbolic meanings of innovation. What we witnessed during innovation week was the tremendous amount of growth and change that DP World has gone through. Over the years we have developed not only terminals but people, all part of our innovation strategy. The event brought us all together and gave the public a sneak peak of our industry and our position within it.

“This is a landmark year in the UAE’s development where innovation has taken centre stage and this was a great opportunity for us to showcase our contribution to the economy. The clothes we buy, the food we consume and the construction materials of our buildings have come through our ports. We look forward to participating in the UAE’s journey to becoming a global hub for innovation.”