Old Bastakia

Capt Arthur Jarman OBE:
Dubai's First Port Manager

Capt Arthur Jarman became Port Manager of Port Rashid in 1970. Sheikh Rashid awarded Gray Mackenzie and Company the contract to manage and operate the new Port Rashid. Sheikh Rashid wanted his new Port to run as a commercial operation, not as a bureaucratic Government Department. Gray Mackenzie established Dubai Port Services to operate the contract. Capt. Jarman was its first employee and Dubai's first Port Manager. Arthur had managed Ports in Blyth UK and Railways and Harbours Board in East Africa. He also had the distinction of piloting the first vessel to enter Port Rashid in November 1970 berthing at Number 3 Berth, the only operational berth.

Old Port Office

Offices were yet to be built. Arthur operated out of an old office block in Dubai Creek Wharves where most of Dubai's cargo was handled. Arthur managed the import

Containerisation arrives

Containerisation began shortly after Port Rashid's extension started building. Arthur was happiest dealing with ships and boats. Technology was not his strong point! But he encouraged new technologies. As a result Port Rashid became among the world's first to design, develop and use a Computer based Container Management System putting Port Rashid ahead of all its competitors. Dubai Port Services' successors have built on that technological lead.

Another First!

Arthur left Port Rashid around 1980 to establish and manage Middle East Container Repair Company, the first in the Region, until his retirement. Arthur was a founder member of Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, helped establish and oversee Dubai Seamen's Club, had a hand in establishing the library at Dubai International Art Centre in Jumeirah. The library has now moved to a permanent home at the Mall of the Emirates under Dubai Community Theatre and Art Centre (DUTAC)'s umbrella.

Sheikh Rashid