Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, Dubai Maritime Agenda 2015 will be launched in November of this year in line with the Dubai Maritime Sector Strategys (MSS) key objectives. In its bid to transform Dubai as a first-class global maritime hub, MSS aims to strengthen the different components of the local maritime industry as well as establish a business-friendly environment to attract foreign investors and drive economic development.

H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and President of Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), thanked H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his full support of the Dubai Maritime Agenda. The initiative is a big leap towards excellence, creativity and innovation to maximize the sectors capabilities and turn Dubai into one of the worlds most advanced maritime centers. H.E. also commended H.H. for his commitment to the local maritime sector, which is a key contributor to the national economy and a fundamental pillar in enhancing the emirates regional and global competitiveness.

He added: By launching the Dubai Maritime Agenda, we look forward to promoting Dubais global position and showcasing the important role it plays in the global maritime industry. The Agenda will provide an opportunity for Dubai to host the gathering of major international decision-makers, workers and stakeholders, including ship owners, operators and international legislative bodies, and provide them with a platform where they can discuss the latest developments and learn about new trends, challenges and opportunities in the international maritime industry. Such an event will help shape the future of the industry in terms of technology, legislation, training and other relevant aspects.

It will also highlight Dubais capabilities as a world-class maritime hub. We are confident that the emirate will be among the top international maritime capitals in the world in the next five years.

The Dubai Maritime Agenda will include several strategic themes to be discussed by international industry leaders. Among the topics are the current status of the global maritime industry, the challenges and opportunities in the shipping services sector, the international and local aspects of maritime arbitration, and the future of the maritime industry. The names of speakers and the participating international organizations will be announced soon.

Amer Ali, Executive Director, Dubai Maritime City Authority, said: We are keen on making Dubai a place where the most important international maritime events are staged. These events add value to the global industry and consolidate Dubais status as an ideal destination for top international maritime conferences. The launching of the Dubai Maritime Agenda will be in line with this strategy.