emirates7 - The UAE has firmly established itself as a global maritime leader, thanks to a combination of strategic investments, forward-thinking legislation, and a strong record of accomplishments. The country stands out as a model for maritime sustainability, modern infrastructure, and robust governance.
With its prime geographic position along key global trade routes, the UAE serves as a vital logistics hub linking Eastern and Western markets. It has also played an instrumental role in shaping international maritime regulations, offering key proposals to modernize legal frameworks—especially to counter illegal ship registration practices—and helping set standards for autonomous vessel regulation.
The country is home to some of the most advanced maritime infrastructure in the region. In 2023 alone, UAE ports processed approximately 21 million TEUs, setting new records for trade facilitation. The sector contributed an estimated AED135 billion to the national GDP, underscoring its vital role in the country’s economy.
As a top destination for commercial vessels in the region, the UAE offers a full suite of services, highly efficient operations, and state-of-the-art digital systems that streamline logistics. Human capital development is a key priority, and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has partnered with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to organise specialised training programmes. From 2020 to 2025, the UAE hosted six regional workshops and took part in maritime audits in countries such as Egypt, Greece, Malta, and Thailand.
Educational institutions such as the Sharjah Maritime Academy, Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, and the Higher Colleges of Technology have also played a key role in workforce development. These institutions have trained nearly 500 marine officers and engineers, including 100 women—a clear indication of the UAE’s commitment to gender inclusivity in the sector.
The UAE’s environmental initiatives are central to its maritime vision. Under its Net Zero 2050 Strategy, the country has implemented several green practices. Fujairah Port has become a regional benchmark by supplying low-sulfur clean fuel and offering LNG bunkering services, in line with the MARPOL Convention. The UAE has also joined international alliances such as the Global Ports Hydrogen Coalition and the Green Shipping Corridors Alliance to promote sustainability in shipping.
Digitisation is another pillar of the UAE’s maritime progress. The nation has launched groundbreaking projects such as Blue Pass, Maqta Gateway, BoxBay (an intelligent container storage system), and CargoSpeed. Automation technologies implemented in Abu Dhabi and Dubai ports have significantly improved supply chain performance and reduced carbon emissions.
UAE maritime companies now operate in over 78 countries, managing 106 ports and terminals worldwide. These global investments reinforce the country’s strategic role in advancing digitalisation, logistics, and trade infrastructure internationally.
Aligning its strategy with IMO goals, the UAE has also reaffirmed its support for maritime decarbonisation. It has contributed to the IMO’s trust fund, helping developing and island nations participate in international policymaking. The UAE regularly contributes to IMO meetings, offering impactful initiatives aimed at shaping international maritime standards. The country is now seeking to renew its membership in the IMO Council to continue its active role as a flag state, port state, and major global energy supplier.
The UAE also serves as a central venue for major maritime and logistics events, including UAE Maritime Week, Breakbulk Middle East, and ADIPEC. These gatherings promote innovation and facilitate international dialogue on sustainable shipping.
In addition, the UAE actively engages in international forums such as COP and BRICS meetings, using these platforms to advocate for greener port operations and reduced maritime emissions.
Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasised that the UAE is steadily advancing toward becoming a dominant global maritime force, guided by visionary leadership and sector-wide dedication. “We are accelerating the shift to a more sustainable and technologically advanced maritime system,” he said, noting that integrating digitalisation and sustainability into every aspect of maritime activity reflects the country’s long-term commitment to efficiency and environmental responsibility.
He highlighted the UAE’s readiness to share its innovative practices globally, and said that membership in the IMO Council is both a duty and an opportunity to support the global maritime community through shared expertise and best practices.
Hassan Al Mansouri, Under-Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs, stressed the strategic role of the maritime sector in the UAE’s broader vision of a smart, integrated, and sustainable transport system. With one of the world’s most sophisticated maritime infrastructures, the UAE is empowering supply chains and connecting markets globally with reliability and efficiency.
Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, reiterated that the maritime sector is not only about infrastructure and ports, but also a driver of economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social advancement. She said the country’s achievements stem from a unified national vision and strong institutional will, and the UAE remains committed to sharing its model as a trusted global partner in shaping the future of maritime transport.
With its prime geographic position along key global trade routes, the UAE serves as a vital logistics hub linking Eastern and Western markets. It has also played an instrumental role in shaping international maritime regulations, offering key proposals to modernize legal frameworks—especially to counter illegal ship registration practices—and helping set standards for autonomous vessel regulation.
The country is home to some of the most advanced maritime infrastructure in the region. In 2023 alone, UAE ports processed approximately 21 million TEUs, setting new records for trade facilitation. The sector contributed an estimated AED135 billion to the national GDP, underscoring its vital role in the country’s economy.
As a top destination for commercial vessels in the region, the UAE offers a full suite of services, highly efficient operations, and state-of-the-art digital systems that streamline logistics. Human capital development is a key priority, and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has partnered with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to organise specialised training programmes. From 2020 to 2025, the UAE hosted six regional workshops and took part in maritime audits in countries such as Egypt, Greece, Malta, and Thailand.
Educational institutions such as the Sharjah Maritime Academy, Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, and the Higher Colleges of Technology have also played a key role in workforce development. These institutions have trained nearly 500 marine officers and engineers, including 100 women—a clear indication of the UAE’s commitment to gender inclusivity in the sector.
The UAE’s environmental initiatives are central to its maritime vision. Under its Net Zero 2050 Strategy, the country has implemented several green practices. Fujairah Port has become a regional benchmark by supplying low-sulfur clean fuel and offering LNG bunkering services, in line with the MARPOL Convention. The UAE has also joined international alliances such as the Global Ports Hydrogen Coalition and the Green Shipping Corridors Alliance to promote sustainability in shipping.
Digitisation is another pillar of the UAE’s maritime progress. The nation has launched groundbreaking projects such as Blue Pass, Maqta Gateway, BoxBay (an intelligent container storage system), and CargoSpeed. Automation technologies implemented in Abu Dhabi and Dubai ports have significantly improved supply chain performance and reduced carbon emissions.
UAE maritime companies now operate in over 78 countries, managing 106 ports and terminals worldwide. These global investments reinforce the country’s strategic role in advancing digitalisation, logistics, and trade infrastructure internationally.
Aligning its strategy with IMO goals, the UAE has also reaffirmed its support for maritime decarbonisation. It has contributed to the IMO’s trust fund, helping developing and island nations participate in international policymaking. The UAE regularly contributes to IMO meetings, offering impactful initiatives aimed at shaping international maritime standards. The country is now seeking to renew its membership in the IMO Council to continue its active role as a flag state, port state, and major global energy supplier.
The UAE also serves as a central venue for major maritime and logistics events, including UAE Maritime Week, Breakbulk Middle East, and ADIPEC. These gatherings promote innovation and facilitate international dialogue on sustainable shipping.
In addition, the UAE actively engages in international forums such as COP and BRICS meetings, using these platforms to advocate for greener port operations and reduced maritime emissions.
Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasised that the UAE is steadily advancing toward becoming a dominant global maritime force, guided by visionary leadership and sector-wide dedication. “We are accelerating the shift to a more sustainable and technologically advanced maritime system,” he said, noting that integrating digitalisation and sustainability into every aspect of maritime activity reflects the country’s long-term commitment to efficiency and environmental responsibility.
He highlighted the UAE’s readiness to share its innovative practices globally, and said that membership in the IMO Council is both a duty and an opportunity to support the global maritime community through shared expertise and best practices.
Hassan Al Mansouri, Under-Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs, stressed the strategic role of the maritime sector in the UAE’s broader vision of a smart, integrated, and sustainable transport system. With one of the world’s most sophisticated maritime infrastructures, the UAE is empowering supply chains and connecting markets globally with reliability and efficiency.
Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, reiterated that the maritime sector is not only about infrastructure and ports, but also a driver of economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social advancement. She said the country’s achievements stem from a unified national vision and strong institutional will, and the UAE remains committed to sharing its model as a trusted global partner in shaping the future of maritime transport.