Yesterday, Dubai hosted the inaugural activities of the event tied to World Maritime Day 2025, themed “Our Ocean, Our Responsibility, Our Opportunity.” This event, organized by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), spans two days and features participation from top government officials.
Leading figures from the global maritime sector, industry experts, and academics from around the world will engage in in-depth discussions addressing key challenges and opportunities facing the international shipping and maritime industries. The event will also showcase an accompanying exhibition highlighting the latest innovations and initiatives in marine sustainability.
The Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Mohamed Faris Al Mazrouei, stated that the event unites leaders, experts, and pioneers in the maritime field from across the globe to protect one of our planet’s vital resources: our oceans. This year’s theme serves as a call to reflect on the role each of us plays in preserving marine ecosystems, ensuring the resilience of shipping and maritime economies, and leveraging innovation for a sustainable future, aligning closely with the United Arab Emirates’ maritime vision.
He emphasized that the UAE plays a central role in decision-making as part of the global maritime system, providing a venue for international experts to develop advanced solutions and strategies that promote economic growth with minimal environmental impact.
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the IMO, stressed the importance of ongoing support and engagement from all parties with the IMO’s work, translating efforts into positive messages. He noted that the event is a chance to share opinions, address concerns, and learn from one another, encouraging the continued amplification of the IMO’s initiatives and listening to the younger generation to understand necessary actions.
Hessa Al Malek, the Minister’s Advisor for Maritime Transport at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, highlighted that nations compete annually to host this significant event, which aligns with World Maritime Day. The UAE successfully hosts the event for the first time under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Responsibility, Our Opportunity,” reflecting its prestigious position on a global scale. The UAE offers advanced maritime infrastructure and a commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050, making it an ideal host for this prominent event.
Al Malek pointed out that the UAE continues to cement its leading role in the global maritime transportation sector through its commitment to sustainability and adoption of digital transformation and artificial intelligence technologies, reflecting the spirit of innovation and advancement that characterizes the nation. She noted that the country is investing in digital transformation, supported by cutting-edge AI technologies, reinforcing the UAE’s vision for building a developed and sustainable maritime future.
Sessions
The first day of the event featured extensive discussions with international experts, who addressed maritime issues at both regional and international levels through three sessions that provided innovative insights and practical solutions, reflecting the international community’s commitment to marine sustainability, positioning the UAE as a global center for dialogue and practical solutions for a more sustainable future.
The first session, titled “Our Ocean: Our Commitment and Opportunities,” highlighted the link between ocean health, human prosperity, and economic growth, featuring remarks from Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the IMO.
Also participating were Captain Saif Al Mahiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Chief Executive for Sustainability at Abu Dhabi Ports Group, and Ali Shahab, Global Director of Projects and Special Services at DNV.
The second session focused on decarbonization, discussing the challenges posed by climate change to the maritime sector amid increasing global pressures, highlighting the potential of alternative marine fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and biodiesel, as well as the necessary infrastructure and regulatory measures to ensure safety, in addition to discussing carbon pricing mechanisms and innovative financing tools to reduce emissions.
The third session addressed measures to combat marine plastic waste from ships, citing the growing challenges it presents, which directly threaten ecosystems and coastal economies. It discussed the importance of adhering to the MARPOL Convention’s Annex V and relevant international resolutions, while participants showcased the latest innovative technologies for waste management aboard vessels.