Drydocks World launches competition to name Middle East's mightiest crane
As the largest of its kind in the Middle East and Africa, the crane represents the latest in a series of groundbreaking engineering innovations, underscoring the company's ongoing commitment to maritime excellence.
Opened in Mina Rashid by the visionary ruler of Dubai, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, in 1979, Drydocks World stood at the forefront of the UAE's rise as a global maritime and industrial hub. For over four decades, the shipyard has repaired some of the world's largest tankers and built cutting-edge floating infrastructure.
Now, Drydocks World is inviting all residents—from engineers and students to poets and business pioneers—to help give this colossal machine a name that reflects its purpose and significance.
The Floating Sheerleg Crane is being constructed by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (ZPMC) and will be delivered to Dubai in the summer of 2026. But the name must be finalised now, before it is permanently engraved onto the crane during fabrication, becoming part of its identity for decades to come.
Designed to lift loads of up to 5,000 tonnes to a height of 120 metres above water, the floating crane is being hailed as a modern marvel of maritime engineering. Once operational, it will strengthen Drydocks World's ability to deliver mega maritime and energy projects.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said, 'This crane is more than machinery. It's a symbol of Dubai's ambition, resilience and engineering excellence. We are building something extraordinary. Now we invite the people of Dubai to help give it a name that reflects our shared values, heritage, and vision for the future.'
Captain Rado Antolovic, PhD, CEO of Drydocks World, added, 'For over 40 years, Drydocks World has supported the UAE's rise as a global maritime hub. This new crane represents the next leap forward in scale, capability, and innovation.'
With a maximum lift of 5,000 tonnes, the crane can lift 400 double-decker buses or twenty-five wide-body aircraft. When fully extended, it's 180-metre reach matches the rooftop height of the iconic Burj Al Arab, placing it among the most powerful and visually impressive cranes in the world.
The competition is open to all residents. Participants are invited to suggest a name with cross-cultural appeal, symbolising strength, maritime heritage, innovation and the UAE's future.
Entries must include proposed names in Arabic or English, along with a brief explanation of its meaning and inspiration.
Names will be shortlisted by a panel of experts including Drydocks World leadership, Emirati cultural figures, and branding specialists.
With the F1 Championship set for another thrilling ending at the Yas Marina Circuit in December, DP World is giving one lucky fan the chance to win a signed full-size 2025 McLaren Racing helmet.
WAM
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Web Release
15 hours ago
- Web Release
MBRF organizes interactive seminar in Egypt attended by prominent journalists and media figures
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) held a seminar to introduce the 'Documenting the Legacy of Sheikh Rashid' project. This project aims to document the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum's pivotal role in Dubai's development and his significant contributions to key sectors, including the economy, education, tourism, and healthcare. The seminar took place at the headquarters of Akhbar El-Youm Publishing House in Cairo, Egypt. The seminar was held in the presence of His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, alongside a distinguished group of senior journalists, media professionals, and university professors from Egypt. The session was moderated by Dr. Khaled Azab, who highlighted Dubai as a center of intellect, knowledge, and cultural progress, rather than just a city known for its skyscrapers. H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb said: 'We are deeply proud of Dubai, its heritage, its history, and its enduring legacy, which reflect its continuous journey of development and modernization across various fields since the honorable Maktoum family took leadership. Today, Dubai is a thriving hub for trade and entrepreneurship, and it hosts the region's largest international exhibition center. At MBRF, we find inspiration in the vision and achievements of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and remain dedicated to the path set by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, whose leadership continues to propel nation-building, comprehensive progress, and sustainable development.' During the seminar, Mahmoud Bassiouni, Editor-in-Chief of Akhbar El-Youm, highlighted the journey of the late Sheikh Rashid while acknowledging Dubai's tangible achievements. Meanwhile, Dr. Mohamed Afifi, Professor of History, noted that Dubai is a historic place that has transformed into an industrial city. He also suggested establishing a chair named after the late Sheikh Rashid at one of Egypt's universities. Furthermore, Dr. Mohamed Showman, Dean of the Faculty of Media and Mass Communication at El Shorouk Academy, suggested creating a drama that depicts the life of Sheikh Rashid. Dr. Mohamed El-Baz emphasized the importance of sharing Sheikh Rashid's lasting legacy with future generations through an exclusive documentary series. Meanwhile, Dr. Mahmoud Hussein, known as the Dean of Translators, highlighted the value of applying Sheikh Rashid's approach in youth development to enhance their skills and foster a sense of belonging to Dubai. The seminar wrapped up with remarks from journalist Mohamed Kandil, famously known as the 'Sinbad of Journalism,' who shared his impressions of Dubai from his first visit in 1995. He expressed great admiration for the city's impressive achievements, calling it the 'Arab Hong Kong.' He also hoped that other Arab cities would follow Dubai's example in reaching success, development, progress, and prosperity.
Zawya
19 hours ago
- Zawya
MBRF organizes interactive seminar in Egypt attended by prominent journalists and media figures
Dubai, UAE - The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) held a seminar to introduce the 'Documenting the Legacy of Sheikh Rashid' project. This project aims to document the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum's key role in Dubai's development and his major contributions to sectors like the economy, education, tourism, and healthcare. The seminar took place at the headquarters of Akhbar El-Youm Publishing House in Cairo, Egypt. The seminar was held in the presence of His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, alongside a distinguished group of senior journalists, media professionals, and university professors from Egypt. The session was moderated by Dr. Khaled Azab, who highlighted Dubai as a center of intellect, knowledge, and cultural progress, rather than just a city known for its skyscrapers. H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb said: 'We are deeply proud of Dubai, its heritage, its history, and its enduring legacy, which reflect its continuous journey of development and modernization across various fields since the honorable Maktoum family took leadership. Today, Dubai is a thriving center for trade and entrepreneurship and hosts the region's largest international exhibition center. At MBRF, we find inspiration in the vision and achievements of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and remain dedicated to the path set by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, whose leadership continues to propel nation-building, comprehensive progress, and sustainable development.' During the seminar, Mahmoud Bassiouni, Editor-in-Chief of Akhbar El-Youm, highlighted the journey of the late Sheikh Rashid while acknowledging Dubai's tangible achievements. Meanwhile, Dr. Mohamed Afifi, Professor of History, noted that Dubai is a historic place that has transformed into an industrial city. He also suggested establishing a chair named after the late Sheikh Rashid at one of Egypt's universities. Furthermore, Dr. Mohamed Showman, Dean of the Faculty of Media and Mass Communication at El Shorouk Academy, suggested creating a drama that depicts the life of Sheikh Rashid. Dr. Mohamed El-Baz emphasized the importance of sharing Sheikh Rashid's lasting legacy with future generations through an exclusive documentary series. Meanwhile, Dr. Mahmoud Hussein, known as the Dean of Translators, highlighted the value of applying Sheikh Rashid's approach in youth development to enhance their skills and foster a sense of belonging to Dubai. The seminar wrapped up with remarks from journalist Mohamed Kandil, famously known as the 'Sinbad of Journalism,' who shared his impressions of Dubai from his first visit in 1995. He expressed great admiration for the city's impressive achievements, calling it the 'Arab Hong Kong.' He also hoped that other Arab cities would follow Dubai's example in reaching success, development, progress, and prosperity.
The National
a day ago
- The National
Emirati housing and education funds launched
Two allowance funding schemes have been launched, one for housing and the other for education, by the Ministry of Community and Empowerment. The allowances have been set up to support the nation's Social Support and Empowerment Programme, a federal initiative providing monthly support to Emirati families with limited income. The housing allowance is intended for families enrolled in the programme who do not receive any form of government housing assistance. The amount is determined based on the family's size and living conditions, distinguished between those living independently and those sharing accommodation with other households. The allowance also includes flexible terms for orphans and children of individuals serving jail terms. What about the education allowance? The education, or academic excellence, allowance is aimed at high-achieving university students. Students enrolled in accredited higher education institutions in the UAE who maintain a cumulative GPA (the grade given per term) of 3.3 or higher are eligible to receive up to Dh3,200 per month. Students enrolled in accredited UAE institutions through remote learning are also eligible. How to apply Applications can be submitted through the ministry's official digital platform via the social subsidy service. All applications are processed within 21 days of submission. Stepping up support The employment programme is the latest step by the government to provide additional assistance to its citizens. In 2022, President Sheikh Mohamed announced a Dh28 billion ($7.6 billion) social support package to provide lower-income Emirati families with subsidies to pay for essentials including fuel, food and utilities. Under the move, annual financial support for eligible families was raised from Dh2.7 billion to Dh5 billion, with the total social support budget doubling from Dh14 billion. The UAE's social welfare programme for low-income citizens is available to Emirati families whose income is less than Dh25,000 ($6,800) a month. The programme offers Dh5,000 aid a month for citizens over the age of 45, housing allowance up to Dh2,500 a month, university education allowance of Dh3,200 a month to outstanding students and Dh5,000 a month for six months to those who are unemployed. In addition, the government offers an inflation allowance, which covers food, electricity, water and fuel costs.
