With 106 global ports and a contribution of more than 135 billion dirhams … The maritime sector is a basic pillar in the UAE economy

Abu Dhabi on August 2 / WAM / The marine sector in the UAE established its leading global position through qualitative initiatives and projects that put sustainability at the heart of its development policies, which enhances its contribution to building a sustainable national economy based on innovation and protecting environmental resources.

According to the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the state is currently operating 106 ports in 78 countries, and its annual account exceeds 21 million containers, with a contribution exceeding 135 billion dirhams in the GDP, which reflects the increasing importance of this sector economically.

The maritime sector in the UAE applies integrated policies for the management of marine waste and ships, and in this context, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure recently launched, within the third package of transformational projects, the “Green Oasis of the Hospitality” project, which is the first initiative of its kind in the region to legislate ships recycling outside the beach For ships, to ensure the protection of the environment and the safety of workers, which makes the UAE a few countries that apply such advanced legislation.

To enhance the building of national capabilities in the maritime sector, the state has established advanced marine academies such as the Abu Dhabi Academy and Sharjah Academy, to train and qualify national cadres according to the standards of the International Maritime Organization, and these efforts contributed to raising the efficiency of human resources and ensuring the readiness of Emirati competencies to lead the sector.

His Excellency Hessa Al -Malik, Advisor to the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure for the Maritime Transport Sector, said in statements to the Emirates News Agency, “WAM”, that the UAE adopts advanced technologies in the design and operation of ships, from smart shipping models to automatic navigation systems, supported by research and development programs in universities and specialized centers, which reflects the state’s commitment to consolidate innovation at the core of its marine renaissance.

She added that the state has made large strides in the field of environmental sustainability, starting with the launch of the Emirates Energy Strategy 2050, and the National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, to developing a green infrastructure to supply ships with low -sulfur fuel and natural gas, as the ports invested in emissions projects, and hosted high international activities such as the COP28 conference, which reflects a firm commitment to the climate And the marine environment.

In the field of digital transformation, Al -Malik indicated that the UAE launched a series of technical projects, including “Blue Pass” as a unified digital platform for linking ship operators, ports and suppliers, and the ports also witnessed a qualitative shift thanks to the automation of shipping and discharge services and linking digital systems to various means of transportation, which helped accelerate operations and reduce emissions.

She emphasized that these achievements embody the distinguished position of the UAE in the International Maritime Organization, where it has ratified 35 international instruments, and contributed to the development of the standards of self -driving ships and combating fraudulent registration, and 497 officers and engineers graduated from its academies, including 100 women, which reflects the state’s commitment to equality, where the state proposed the award of equality on the organization’s council and was approved and approved and approved On it, while the Arab Naval Women Association headed.

She explained that this integrated system of projects and achievements reflects the UAE’s commitment to an ambitious and sustainable marine vision, which supports the shift towards a green economy and smart ports, and its position is established as a global naval platform in the heart of international trade.

She noted the hosting of the UAE in September 2025 for the parallel event for the International Maritime Day under the slogan “Our surroundings, our responsibility, our opportunity”, as qualitative initiatives were launched to support carbon removal from maritime charging and enhance innovation and sustainable technologies.

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