April 8, 2017. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, the 2017 edition of the Dubai Maritime Agenda is set to kick off on October 10, 2017 in Dubai. It will provide a strategic platform for the world's elite maritime industry leaders to discuss and explore the future of the maritime sector, in line with the requirements of the ambitious development process of the UAE.

H.E. Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and Chairman of the Dubai Maritime City Authority, expressed his appreciation for the continuous support extended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum, for the forthcoming event, which has ably positioned itself as one of the most awaited and leading events on the regional and global maritime map. Bin Sulayem affirmed the commitment of the DMCA in ensuring the success of the event that has also been regarded as a vital contributor to Dubai’s key role in advancing the continuing growth of the global maritime industry. 

Bin Sulayem, stated, “We are very delighted to announce the launch of the 2017 edition of the Dubai Maritime Agenda, an event that aims to strengthen the emirate's maritime sector strategy via the enhancement and upgrading of the competitive advantages of the local maritime sector while also consolidating Dubai's position as one of the best maritime capitals in the world. This important maritime event is set to explore the future of the marine industry--placing special focus on emerging technologies and innovation like 3D printing, unmanned ships and smart technology among others, which represents the key pillars needed in building a regional and global maritime sector that is totally sustainable.”

The Dubai Maritime Agenda plays a significant strategic role in the move to support the efforts of the DMCA to enhance the competitiveness of Dubai’s maritime sector--effectively resulting in improved contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Dubai. In fact, in 2015, the local maritime sector contributed AED 26.9 billion or seven per cent of the emirate's total GDP. The growth in contributions can be attributed to the rapidly growing role of shipping, ports, maritime engineering and maritime support services in promoting economic diversification and the shift towards a post-oil economy.

Amer Ali, Executive Director, DMCA, said, “Through the continuing support extended by the UAE's wise leadership, we have succeeded in making the Dubai Maritime Agenda synonymous with excellence and leadership in the global maritime industry--reinforcing direct communication between the world's leading maritime experts. The event provides an interactive platform to discuss emerging challenges and explore new prospects to advance the local and global marine industry based on creativity, technological innovation, excellence, training and investment in human capital. Our presence at the event aims to promote the importance of the Dubai Maritime Agenda as part of our efforts to position Dubai at the forefront of the most competitive, unique and comprehensive maritime hubs in the world.”

The event is expected to bring together in Dubai the industry's best--influential figures, regional and international experts, decision-makers and maritime leaders. The agenda will focus on exploring promising opportunities and reviewing Dubai’s successful achievements, especially in the development of components of the local maritime cluster; creating a marine environment that attracts foreign investments and enhancing the role of the maritime sector as a vital economic contributor. The DMCA has reiterated its commitment to promote and increase awareness on the goals and objectives set forth in the maritime sector strategy, which aims to enhance the competitiveness of the local maritime cluster in order to provide a secure, sustainable and integrated maritime sector.