Abu Dhabi-UAE: November 24, 2016:  Maqta Gateway, a wholly owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports will host the annual International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA) Conference for the first time in the GCC region. The conference will be held in Abu Dhabi on December 7th this year at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort.

The 2016 IPCSA Conference will welcome high profile dignitaries and serve as a platform that brings industry leaders and key influencers together to share knowledge and best practices.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, commented: “We are delighted to have been selected the host city of this year’s IPCSA Conference as we bring it for the first time to the GCC region. Hosting the IPCSA Conference is a reflection of our commitment at Abu Dhabi Ports in providing customers and stakeholders with innovative digital solutions that streamline operations and facilitate trade, in line with Abu Dhabi Vison 2030.”

Dr. Noura Al Dhaheri, General Manager of Maqta Gateway, said: “Initiated by Abu Dhabi Ports in 2014, Maqta Gateway was the first member of IPCSA in the Middle East region. It has developed and operated the first innovative port community system in the UAE that provides a single online window for Abu Dhabi trade customers. We are making steady strides towards our official inauguration in 2017 following the successful completion of the first two phases which featured the introduction of the Container Shipping Management System at Khalifa Port in 2015 and the Vessel Management System in all commercial ports in Abu Dhabi this year. The IPCSA 2016 Conference will help establish mutually beneficial relationships among regional and international communities and we look forward to welcoming our guests to Abu Dhabi.”

Alan Long, Chairman of IPSCA added: “IPCSA is delighted that Maqta Gateway is hosting the first IPCSA conference in the GCC.  Maqta Gateway has proved its commitment to the digital transformation of the industry and we are confident that participants at this year’s event will benefit greatly from the discussions that are going to take place in Abu Dhabi.” 

Held under the theme “Digitalising Trade”, the Conference will discuss the role of a single window in trade facilitation and trade transformation. Additionally, it will focus on how administrations in different countries can reduce the burden of trade across borders, enhance security and standardise processes and information flow. 

The event will address three key topics critical to the international port community and they are: “The strategic direction for the global supply chain”, “Facilitating global trade”, and “Digitalising trade”. Speakers at the event represent esteemed local and international organisations such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Federal Customs Authority, Etihad Rail DB, Hamburg Port Authority, and Portbase Rotterdam.