His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, attended the graduation ceremony of the inaugural class of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), celebrating the achievements of 194 graduates.
The Crown Prince congratulated the graduates and their families on this milestone, wishing them continued success in their professional and academic endeavors, which will contribute to the maritime transport and logistics sector in Abu Dhabi and the wider United Arab Emirates.
His Highness emphasized the crucial role that the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy plays in preparing and qualifying national talents, specializing in maritime fields and logistics engineering. This initiative aims to supply the maritime transport and logistics sector with qualified professionals capable of fostering sustainable growth in this vital area, enhancing its competitiveness on both a regional and global scale, serving as a fundamental pillar of the comprehensive national economic development.
Significant Contribution
On this occasion, Mohammed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, remarked, “We take pride in the graduation ceremony led by His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the first cohort of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, marking a significant step towards advancing the maritime sector in the UAE. In alignment with our leadership’s vision, we are committed to making the Academy a beacon of education and research in maritime sciences and logistics.”
He further noted that the Academy has rapidly established itself as a key player in this field, producing graduates who are equipped to tackle future challenges and requirements. It has developed an advanced platform for research and development to explore future horizons and maintain the momentum of growth in the maritime industry at both local and global levels.
A Unique Institution
Dr. Yasser Al Wahidi, President of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, stated that today’s graduation represents a significant milestone in the Academy’s mission to contribute vital trained personnel to the UAE’s maritime sector, elevating it to new heights and standards. He described the Academy as a unique educational establishment in the UAE, which has evolved its activities and services to become a driving force in the thriving maritime job market.
He congratulated the first cohort of graduates for their dedication and commitment to their academic journeys, wishing them success in their careers and worldwide maritime endeavors, where there is a growing demand for qualified talents.
Education and Training
Established in 2019 and welcoming students in 2021, the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, part of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, offers a comprehensive range of maritime education and training programs. It currently has 410 enrolled students, of whom approximately 85% are Emiratis.
The Academy provides diploma certificates in 13 maritime and logistics specializations, including ship chartering and oil tankers, marine engineering technology, shipping operations, and port management, along with programs for senior officers, simulation devices, and maritime shipping management. It also offers technical training for the maritime transport and shipping sectors, as well as accredited programs in financial and accounting training.