MyDPA Project 2000

ABOUT

Dubai Ports Authority, in 2000, launched MyDPA, an online portal designed to simplify transactions and bookings for the shipping community.

MyDPA was soon adopted by over 560 users representing 95% of DPA customers.

The MyDPA portal reduced manual processes across DPA and Dubai Customs by merging two previously separate systems into one.

Key features included centralised manifest submission (automatically forwarded to customs electronically), a digital Manifest Registration Number replacing paperwork, an electronic Voyage NOC replacing the old Custom Control Number, and online crane and container booking.

The initiative improved efficiency, reduced data duplication, and delivered cost savings for customers — all in line with Dubai's broader e-government strategy.

STORY BEHIND THE PROJECT

1991: Shiekh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued a Decree terminating the management contracts of the foreign management companies for Port Rashid and Jebel Ali Port.

The Decree also created a new wholly owned Government company named Dubai Port Services to manage both Port Rashid and Jebel Ali Port.

At that time, Port Rashid had an throughput of around one million containers per year while Jebel Ali Port's throughput was considerably less.

Shipping Agents and Merchants preferred Port Rashid as the Port was located near to Bank Street where most of the shipping offices were located.

Jebel Ali Port was 40kms distant from Bank Street so Shipping Agency Staff had to spend considerable time going to, and returning from, Jebel Ali Port. Hence they were reluctant to arange for their cargoes to be shipping into Jebel Ali Port, preferring Port Rashid as it was much nearer plus Port Rashid had automated its internal systems

MANAGING TWO PORTS

DPA made an early decision to operate the two ports as one, offering the Shipping Agents and Merchants for them to process and collect their cargoes at the Port of their choice and also to ship their cargoes.

This meant DPS had to provide a service that moved cargoes and contianers between Ports accordng to the wishes of the Shipping Agents and Merchants.

At the same time, DPS Management was persuading shipping lines to relocate from Port Rashid to Jebel Ali Port by offering inducements such as reduced berthing costs.

Slowly cargoes and containers shipments began to move from Port Rashid to Jebel Ali Port.

By the late 1990s, Jebel Ali Port was handling the bulk of Dubai's cargoes and containers but DPS was still moving these to the Shipping Agents and Merchants Port of choice for import or export which was a costly exercise.

USING THE INTERNET TO SOLVE A PROBLEM

Both Port's internal cargo and container processes had been successfully automated by the late 1990s. Problem was how to extend that automation to the Ports' Customers.

DPS had established a capable IT Department but it lacked the skills to develop an online Portal.

Decision was to engage an IT Consultant with the appropriate skills and experience to design and develop the Portal.

However, the Consultant would be required to transfer knowledge to IT Staff during the development of the Portal.

To ensure the Portal met the requirements of the Shipping Community, a Focus Group comprising representatives of the Shipping Community was appointed to vet each stage of the development.

A good rapport developed between all parties involved in the project so the work ran smoothly.

Six months into the project, DPS IT Staff were taking a major role of the project's development which finally evolved into DPS IT Staff doing the work under the guidance of the Consultants.

GOING LIVE WITH THE NEW PORTAL

DPS's mYDPA Portal was formally announced at a function for the shipping community held at the newly completed Burj Al Arab Hotel.

New Shipping Agents and Merchants could process their shipping documents from their offices without the need for visiting either Port Rashid or Jebel Ali Port.

Dubai Ports Authority's Portal Project
took just twelve months from Start to Finish.