By Staff Reporter
UAE Strengthens Global Maritime Role with Innovation, Sustainability and Strategic Vision
The UAE has firmly cemented its status as a global maritime leader, leveraging advanced infrastructure, sustainable innovation, and strategic policymaking to reshape the future of global shipping and trade.
Positioned at the crossroads of East and West, the UAE serves as a vital logistics hub and has taken significant strides in modernising its maritime sector. In 2023 alone, its ports handled around 21 million TEUs, while the industry contributed an estimated AED135 billion to the national GDP.
Key to this growth is the country’s focus on digitalisation and sustainability. With projects like Blue Pass, Maqta Gateway, and LNG bunkering at Fujairah Port, the UAE is aligning maritime operations with environmental goals under its Net Zero 2050 Strategy. It has also joined initiatives like the Green Shipping Corridors Alliance and the Global Ports Hydrogen Coalition.
The UAE plays an active role in shaping international maritime policy, particularly in updating regulations on autonomous shipping and combating fraudulent vessel registration. It continues to support developing nations through the IMO and has launched educational initiatives that have trained nearly 500 marine officers, including 100 women.
Home to 106 ports operated globally by national companies, the UAE’s maritime footprint spans 78 countries. Its consistent engagement in international forums, from COP to BRICS to IMO meetings, reinforces its influence in driving sustainable, tech-driven maritime transformation.
Government officials reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to inclusive development, innovation, and collaboration as the country pursues renewed membership on the IMO Council, aiming to shape global maritime policy for years to come.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
