Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi's launch of a new maritime guidebook signals another step in the emirate's efforts to attract global maritime businesses and expand the sector's contribution to the economy, according to officials.
Titled "Abu Dhabi's Compass for Maritime Businesses: Your Gateway to Global Opportunity", the guidebook was launched by Maritime Hub Abu Dhabi – a platform for collaboration across the emirate's growing maritime sector, operated by Abu Dhabi Maritime and led by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), an affiliate of the emirate's Department of Municipalities and Transport on Tuesday.
Speaking to Aletihad on the sidelines of the launch, Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Group Chief Sustainability and Risk Officer at AD Ports Group, said the guidebook will further enhance Abu Dhabi's competitiveness while supporting ambitious long-term growth targets.
He noted that Abu Dhabi is already home to more than 1,500 maritime companies. The sector contributes Dh29.8 billion to the local economy, accounting for 2.7% of total GDP and 4.6% of non-oil GDP.
"Overall, we will be targeting to double the maritime contribution to the GDP for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi," he said.
Al Mheiri also highlighted Abu Dhabi's rapid rise in the Leading Maritime Cities report. The emirate climbed from 32nd place in 2022 to 22nd in 2024, which he described as the largest improvement recorded since the index was launched.
"We are aiming to increase our ranking to be in the top 20 maritime cities in the next report and also be in the top 10, inshallah, in the future."
Dr Haya Aldaghlas, Director of Maritime Strategic Interface at Abu Dhabi Maritime, said Maritime Hub Abu Dhabi was established to foster collaboration, with the guidebook serving as its latest initiative to promote the sector globally.
Dr Aldaghlas said Abu Dhabi offers global connectivity, world-class infrastructure and a skilled maritime workforce, training around 500 officers and engineers annually.
She noted that the maritime sector contributed $8.1 billion to Abu Dhabi's GDP in 2023, accounting for 2.7% of total GDP and 4.6% of non-oil GDP.
"There is tremendous growth potential in our emirate's maritime sector," she said.
Dr Aldaghlas said the guidebook highlights Abu Dhabi's business environment, quality of life and technological leadership.
"Abu Dhabi is dynamic, resilient and ready to welcome global maritime partners," she added.
Eng. Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said: "We always say that the maritime sector is one of the world's most important economic sectors. However, we have noticed that there is still limited awareness within the community about the opportunities available in this field."
She said the newly launched guidebook will help young people, entrepreneurs and investors better understand the opportunities available, connect with industry stakeholders and build sustainable maritime businesses.
"Today, the maritime sector is the world's second-largest economic sector after the oil industry. We believe this sector can only continue to grow through the efforts and innovation of young people."
