The strategic week that will feature a series of events dedicated to the global maritime industry will unite industry stakeholders and initiate intensive discussions to promote the sector’s growth

Held under the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, UAE Maritime Week has garnered support from industry stakeholders that have significantly contributed to the growth of the maritime sector in the Middle East region. Organised by Seatrade Maritime, part of Informa Markets, the Week will connect maritime markets in the Middle East by bringing together ship owners, industry suppliers and key decision-makers from the region for several events including the flagship Seatrade Maritime Middle East (SMME); Seatrade Maritime Awards Middle East, Indian Subcontinent & Africa; Global Maritime Club round table; Maritime Leaders Forum and Experience Maritime.

As one of the most crucial initiatives that will prove vital in aiding the growth of the sector, the UAE Maritime Week will be held at a critical time during Expo 2020 Dubai and the International Maritime Organisation elections.

Sheikh Nasser Majid Al-Qasimi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Infrastructure and Transport at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure said, “The maritime sector globally has witnessed unprecedented challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, we braved through that phase, and are now ushering in a rebound phase. Despite the pandemic, last year the UAE recorded foreign trade worth $532,774 million. Our GDP is expected to grow to 2.1 per cent this year and by 4.2 per cent in 2022 as estimated by the UAE’s Central Bank. The maritime sector will undoubtedly contribute to this growth. To ensure continued progress, apart from the support of government and private sector organisations, the role of industry initiatives like UAE Maritime Week is integral. In line with the principles of the UAE’s Projects of the 50, the week and its series of events that will coincide with two key events will create a dynamic maritime economy in the UAE, with far-reaching effects in the Middle East.”

Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Executive Director, Dubai Maritime City Authority said, “Following our vision to create a safe and vibrant maritime industry, we are aiming to build effective collaborations with government authorities, private sector organisations and relevant stakeholders to ensure sustainable growth of the sector in all aspects. Our strategic partnership with the UAE Maritime Week will help us in understanding more about the challenges industry stakeholders are facing, helping us evaluate our existing regulations and draft new policies, keeping in mind the best practices in maritime safety and operations.”

Enabling smart trade and digitalisation

As one of the most influential events in the maritime sector, SMME, under the umbrella of The UAE Maritime Week, can further the agenda of rapid transformation in the maritime industry. In recent years, the pandemic has accelerated digitalisation. Some key organisations like DP World and Abu Dhabi Ports have been at the forefront of this revolution with their smart solutions like Maqta Gateway, Boxbay, Zodiac, etc.

Dr. Noura Al Dhaheri, Head of Digital Cluster, AD Ports Group, and CEO of Maqta Gateway said, “Since its founding, Maqta Gateway has committed itself to transforming Abu Dhabi’s trade and logistics ecosystem through the development and adoption of leading-edge and integrated digital solutions. Our innovations have enhanced the user experience for all those involved across the entire value chain, providing better, faster, smoother, more secure, more predictable, and cost-effective offerings. To date, Maqta Gateway has facilitated more than 50 million digital transactions — 30 percent during the pandemic alone. Despite the challenges that arose in the wake of COVID-19, we evolved alongside our rapidly developing industry and tackled the crisis head-on. Thanks to the advanced infrastructure that AD Ports Group continuously develops, we were able to be resilient and respond swiftly to the unprecedented circumstances that prevailed during the pandemic, allowing us to safeguard national supply chains and ensure the movement of critical goods. During this tumultuous period, the Advanced Trade and Logistics Platform (ATLP) was also inaugurated. Developed and operated by Maqta Gateway under the supervision of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, ATLP is a novel solution that facilitates trade for customers and trade operators active across Abu Dhabi’s sea, land, air, industrial and free zones. Our partnership with UAE Maritime Week will prove beneficial in our road to achieving milestones concerning digitalization and innovation. We are ready and willing to share our expertise and success stories with our partners in this significant event, to foresee the future of the sector and discuss its latest trends to strengthen our leading position and keep pace with the rapid developments witnessed in our technologically advanced world today.”

Inspiring change

Since 2008, SMME has been facilitating discussions on the latest transformations and technological advancements in the maritime shipping sector, including its future vision and direction given. Its initiatives have aided the transformation industry, making it a catalyst for valuable business relationships in the industry.

Dr. Ahmed Youssef, Associate Dean of the College of Maritime Transport and Technology, AAST said, “The UAE Maritime Week is a one-of-a-kind wonderful platform for dialogue between industry leaders, government representatives and policy-makers. While doing so it also brings young aspiring professionals and maritime students face-to-face with experts. It will not only help maritime academies showcase their competencies, but it will also give our students maximum industry exposure. We are actively looking to partake in the event, so our students can learn about the newest happenings in the industry.”

Chris Hayman, Chairman, Seatrade stated, “SMME has received commendable industry support since inception. It is encouraging to see that the UAE Maritime Week too has received a similar response from key government ministries and organisations in the UAE and the Middle East and the industry at large. This has enhanced the event’s ability to facilitate lucrative contracts that can drive the economy of the UAE and the Middle East. What makes the week even special is that it will be held during Expo 2020 Dubai which is a mega-event and that will boost growth opportunities for the sector.”

The agenda for UAE Maritime Week will focus on topics of concern, featuring speakers from leading organisations that have been driving change in the industry. Throughout the week, discussions will be held on critical issues including decarbonisation, digitalisation, regulatory change, and supply chain infrastructure.