The event was graced by Her Excellency, Engineer Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and Captain Abdulla Al Hayyas, Director of Maritime Transport Affairs.
The evening was well attended with over 500 industry leaders, members, and benefactors of the Institute. The conference's theme centred around "UAE: An Emerging Maritime Hub & its Growth Story", highlighting the country's initiatives contributing to the global shipping industry's expansion. Recognizing the region's substantial role in global maritime trade, discussions focused on the consistent growth in demand for efficient shipping and logistics solutions.
With statistics demonstrating the port of Jebel Ali and Khalifa Port's annual handling of over 21 million containers, the UAE stands as an ideal trade hub bridging Europe, Asia, and Africa, leading the region in efficiency and throughput.
A panel discussion featuring industry experts shedding light on maritime associations in the Middle East, providing valuable insights into efforts driving growth and innovation in the shipping sector. The panel also acknowledged UAE government initiatives such as the Maritime Sector Strategy, offering tax incentives, free trade zones, and infrastructure investments fostering an environment conducive to marine-related businesses' success.
Additionally, a touching memorial lecture honoured Capt Misra for his invaluable contributions to the maritime community. One highlight of the evening was the signing of a strategic undertaking between the ICS with WISTA (Women's International Shipping & Trading Association). WISTA is an international networking organisation whose mission is to attract and support women in management across the maritime, trading and logistics sectors, and this paves the way for collaborative endeavours.
The evening reached its pinnacle as students who had persevered through rigorous professional exams were recognized for their dedication and passion, buoyed by inspiring words from esteemed industry figures, including Her Excellency. Her address not only encouraged aspiring professionals but also underscored the local government's significant strides in establishing the Middle East as a prominent shipping hub. As the event concluded on a high note, attendees left inspired and energised, eager to contribute to the shipping industry's ongoing success. Stay tuned to our various media platforms for updates and insights from this remarkable event.
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