The UAE has formally submitted its nomination to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under category B, affirming its commitment to supporting the world’s maritime security, safety and sustainability.
The move underscores the UAE’s position as a leading maritime nation with state-of-the-art infrastructure, strong legislation and significant investment in innovation and sustainability. It also increased the country’s influential role within the IMO, which it joined in 1980, by actively contributing to demonstrations aimed at reducing emissions and promoting a safe, sustainable ocean.
Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Information and Infrastructure, said that the redevelopment of the infrastructure shows the leadership’s forward-looking vision to strengthen the country’s presence in other countries and shape the future of maritime transport around the world.
“The UAE today represents a global hub that combines economic growth with the protection of the marine environment. We have shown a strong commitment to the highest standards of innovation,” he said.
Al Mazrouei highlighted that the maritime sector contributes more than AED135 billion to the country’s economy, with about 27,000 maritime companies operating throughout the country. UAE-based firms Manage 106 ports in 78 countries, positioning the country as a major global logistics and Trade Hub.
UAE ports handle about 60 percent of the cargo movement in the Arabian Gulf and process more than 21 million containers annually. Ports such as Jebel Ali, Khalifa and Fujairah have become major centers of global supply chains and experimenters of artificial intelligence and digital transformation technologies.
Maritime sustainability remains central to the UAE’s long-term vision. Measures such as Green Recycling Yards Yards and Regulations for the Protection of Safe Ships Discharge and Damage of Sulfur Fuels show the country’s adherence to international standards, including the Marpol Convention.
The UAE also integrates emissions reductions in its energy 2050 strategy with the national hydrogen 2050 plan, supporting its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by the century.
The minister added that locociations are driven by progress in the field of industry, independent digital certification, blockchain certification and AI-based data analysis and data to improve efficiency and reduce data leakage.
Al Mazrouei noted that the UAE remains an active influence within the IMO, presenting important proposals including council membership and accepting Arabic as one of the organization’s official languages.
“The UAE is advancing confidently on its way to becoming a global power that leads the future of navigation and connected to a responsible, cutting-edge and innovative world,” he said.
