The United Arab Emirates, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, participated in the International Women’s Day in the Maritime Sector, organized by the International Maritime Organization in London, UK. The event drew a distinguished group of female maritime leaders and global decision-makers.
Leading the UAE delegation was Engineer Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure on Maritime Transport Affairs. During her participation, she emphasized the crucial role women play in the maritime transport sector, highlighting the importance of empowering women and increasing their representation across various maritime industry fields. This aligns with the country’s sustainable development goals and vision for gender equality.
She stated, “The UAE takes pride in the leadership of Emirati women in the maritime sector, as they have demonstrated expertise across various technical and managerial disciplines, actively contributing to the sector’s competitiveness both regionally and internationally. Our involvement today reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to supporting global initiatives aimed at empowering women and ensuring the sustainability of the maritime sector.”
Al Malek added, “Emirati women have a pivotal role in the maritime industry, showcasing their capabilities and leadership in advancing the UAE’s maritime development. Their excellence has established the nation as a global hub for maritime transport and services. The UAE continues to empower women and enhance their presence across various sector fields, in line with the ‘We Are the UAE 2031’ vision.”
She continued, “The UAE’s participation in this event reflects the country’s steadfast commitment to supporting women across various sectors. The nation has provided a legislative and institutional environment that nurtures women, allowing them to achieve significant accomplishments and hold leadership positions in the maritime industry.”
During the event, awards were presented to the winners of the second edition of the Women in Maritime Awards. This initiative was proposed by the UAE in 2022 and endorsed by the International Maritime Organization to highlight the outstanding achievements of women working in the maritime sector and to encourage greater balance and diversity in the global maritime workforce.