The event will act as a vital platform to showcase the capabilities of local maritime markets and host a series of insightful talks with influential industry players

Seatrade Maritime Middle East (SMME), the largest in-person exhibition and conference taking place during UAE Maritime Week – under the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure – has opened registration, marking the first step in the countdown to thelandmark week of maritime-led events and activities. The in-person exhibition and conference will be held at Dubai Exhibition Centre from 13-15 December 2021, as part of Expo 2020.

This year, the UAE Maritime Week is supported by Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) as the strategic partner for the event. As one of the most influential events in the maritime sector, SMME, under the umbrella of this strategic Week, has been at the forefront of introducing pioneering initiatives that empower the industry. The event will provide participants with opportunities to meet thought-leaders, build lasting partnerships and exchange ideas that will contribute to reinforcing the region’s position as a prominent industry hub.

Inspiring conversation, innovation and growth

Owing to the value it adds to the maritime industry, SMME is one of the most awaited events that has been vital in aiding the growth of the sector valued at over AED90 billion annually. To help sustain this growth, year after year, the event hopes to enable the sector by engaging professionals with experts, through dialogue that will encourage the industry to adapt to the ever-changing market trends and respond to the challenges faced.The event agenda for the 2021 edition features an impressive line-up of speakers who will tackle key topics including the status of the maritime industry in the Middle East, market overview, regulatory challenges, developments in ports and terminals, digitalisation, crew practices and the impact of Sulphur 2020, to name a few.

Chris Morley, Group Director – Maritime Events, Informa Markets Maritime said, “Over the last one year the industry has witnessed rapid developments. Despite the market challenges, nations like the UAE have showcased their prowess retaining their leading position in many competitive indexes. The country ranks 5th globally as a key competitive maritime hub. Our goal is to continue supporting the country’s growth by providing a platform like SMME, for the industry to converge. Through the event, we are also hoping to enhance the UAE’s candidacy for IMO’s Executive Council category “B” membership.”

Showcasing the competencies of the UAE

Emma Howell, Director of Digital and Content, Seatrade Maritime, Informa Markets Maritime added, “SMME is a great forum that helps professionals shape strategies that will enable their companies to thrive. Through various endeavours, we hope to facilitate engagement between governments in the region, policymakers, business leaders, disruptors and innovators. Through these conversations, collaborations and connections, the event will indeed help the industry to address challenges and utilise opportunities that arise in the future. Over the course of three days, we will witness several thousand attendees and more than 100 world-class suppliers and service providers, giving the industry access to boundless networking opportunities. The 2021 edition will be extra special since the event is being held under the umbrella of the UAE Maritime Week.”

Apart from SMME, the UAE Maritime Week has multiple opportunities for the industry to embrace including the Seatrade Maritime Awards, in association with Lloyd’s List and exclusive experiences such as Maritime Leaders Forum and Experience Maritime. Attendees can utilise these platforms to interact with key industry leaders and decision-makers and explore what’s new in the industry.