The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), participated in the International Day for Women in Maritime, organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, England. The event was attended by a distinguished group of female maritime leaders and global decision-makers.
The UAE delegation was headed by Her Excellency Eng Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs at MoEI. During her participation, she emphasized the vital role women play in the maritime transport sector, stressing the importance of empowering women and enhancing their presence across various fields of the maritime industry. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and the UAE’s vision to promote gender equality.
Her Excellency Eng Al Malek said: “The UAE is proud of the leadership role Emirati women have in the maritime sector, where they have proven their competence across various technical and administrative fields and have actively contributed to enhancing the sector’s competitiveness on both regional and international levels. Our participation today reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to supporting global initiatives aimed at empowering women and promoting the sustainability of the maritime sector.”
Her Excellency added: “Emirati women have demonstrated excellence and leadership in advancing the UAE’s maritime development. Their outstanding contributions have helped solidify the country’s position as a global hub for maritime transport and services. The UAE continues to empower women and strengthen their presence across various areas of the sector, in line with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.”
She further noted: “The UAE’s participation in this occasion reflects the country’s firm commitment to supporting women across all sectors. The UAE has established a supportive legislative and institutional environment that has enabled women to achieve remarkable accomplishments and assume leadership positions in the maritime sector.”
During the event, the winners of the second edition of the Women in Maritime Award were honored. This award was proposed by the United Arab Emirates in 2022 and was approved by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council. It aims to highlight the outstanding achievements of women working in the maritime sector and to encourage greater balance and diversity within the global maritime workforce.