The new initiatives that align with the UAE’s development strategy focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, promoting innovation and creativity and empowering young cadres to explore maritime professions

Seatrade Middle East Virtual (SMMEV) announced the launch of pioneering initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering the maritime sector. Through these initiatives, the organizers seek to take advantage of the improved capabilities of the virtual version of the event. The platform will act as a hub where attendees can participate in sessions and discussions that will shed light on the new developments and opportunities in the maritime sector.

The significant initiatives at SMMEV include supporting and promoting small and medium-sized companies in the maritime sector, the creation of an innovation hub to boost business and empowerment of young maritime cadres to work in maritime careers. To amplify the impact of these initiatives, the event agenda features sessions that are in line with these themes.

Reinforcing the industry

H.E. Eng. Hessa Ahmed Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, said, “It is gratifying to see one of the largest industry events in the region adopting initiatives that are aimed at the development of the industry in the region. I am optimistic that in the long run, these endeavours will provide added value to the sector.”

Al Malek added, “The COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated that we need to improve our methods of working and think outside the box, and I believe that SMMEV has succeeded in promoting this approach through their innovative initiatives. SMEs are the backbone of the UAE economy, contributing about 52 per cent of the country’s non-oil gross domestic product. By offering support to SMEs, SMMEV is promoting the growth of not only the maritime industry, but the economy as a whole. This will help in a major way to attract investors and entrepreneurs to the country. Seatrade has always encouraged excellence and innovative solutions. I am optimistic that their Innovation Hub will further enhance business in the country and the region. As for their efforts to empower aspiring maritime professionals, I must say that it is a commendable feat as the youth is the driving force for the prosperity of any economy and nurturing them is integral.”

Dr. Ahmed Youssef, Associate Dean of the College of Maritime Transport and Technology at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Sharjah Branch said, “Being a part of the largest maritime academy in the region, we fully support SMMEV’s initiatives. As a maritime institute that deals with the youth of the nation, we understand the importance of the initiatives that SMMEV has devised. We offer all our support to help them in every way possible so that eventually the maritime industry in the country and the region benefits and thrives. It is important that the maritime industry is in safe hands and by nurturing young talent and showing them the way ahead, we can partake in the creation of a promising future for the industry.”

Carving a roadmap for the future

Due to the onset of the pandemic, a number of maritime events were cancelled and postponed. However, the organizers of Seatrade Middle East thought it was imperative for the industry to come together and discuss the major challenges that have arisen, locally and internationally due to the changing business landscape. Their primary goal was to chart a way forward for the industry. Hence, the virtual edition of the much-awaited regional event was announced, with the live version scheduled for the end of 2021.

Chris Morley, Event Director, Seatrade Maritime Middle East said, “Our commitment to constantly develop and expand the maritime sector is the main reason behind the success of our event. Our three integrated initiatives will allow us to work towards achieving this long-standing goal of ours. Every year, we seek to transform our event from a business networking platform to an incubator where ideas can be exchanged. We are confident that our virtual edition will help industry players significantly, especially considering the challenges that have come our way due to the global pandemic.”

SMMEV provides a unique experience for maritime businesses. The event will allow attendees to request virtual meetings with concerned parties, enhancing networking opportunities as compared to traditional events, where meetings and networking opportunities were limited because of overloaded schedules. The event will also provide virtual stands for exhibitors, offering a unique experience to engage with participants, utilizing the latest technology solutions.