Dubai Maritime Week 2012 kicks off with strong regional and international participation

(prHWY.com) November 25, 2012 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates -- November 25, 2012
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Under the close collaboration between Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) and Seatrade, the inaugural Dubai Maritime Week 2012 opened today (November 25, 2012) in Dubai, gathering high-profile government officials, industry professionals, experts, operators and ship owners from the UAE and across the region to discuss the latest maritime issues and challenges. The first-of-its kind event is poised to gain strategic importance as a key initiative aiming to promote Dubai's leading position as a major maritime destination in the region and worldwide. The event is also being supported by a number of strategic partners, including Dubai Municipality, Dubai Customs, National Transport Authority (NTA), DP World, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Seatrade.

During the opening day, DMCA is hosting a workshop at the Port Rashid Terminal to discuss in-depth, the various aspects of maritime safety in line with DMCA's strategic priorities to adopt best practices in safety and security standards so as to maintain a safe, and thriving maritime industry.

DMCA's agenda during the event also includes a range of awareness programmes to underscore the vital role of the maritime industry as an integral part of Dubai's rich heritage. Moreover, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority will conduct a series of cultural activities at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, formerly known as the Al Bastakiya, in addition to several interactive workshops and specialized seminars by Dubai Municipality.

Highlighting the solid cooperation between DMCA and Seatrade - the leading publishing house and maritime-related event organizer in the world - Dubai Maritime Week 2012 will feature the 'Seatrade Middle East and Indian Subcontinent Awards' and the 'Seatrade Middle East Maritime Exhibition and Conference', offering a world-class networking platform for local government authorities, industry leaders, experts, suppliers, economists, analysts and financers from the region and around the world to explore ways to develop the maritime industry.

Amer Ali, Executive Director, Dubai Maritime City Authority, said: "The inaugural edition of Dubai Maritime Week strengthens Dubai's leading position on the world's maritime events map. It serves as a strategic platform to ensure direct communication between local government authorities and key maritime players regionally and globally, to share ideas, expertise and best practices to ultimately create an integrated environment to boost Dubai's maritime sector and reaffirm its role as an economic driver towards sustainable development. This complements the vision and directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai."

"We are pleased with the excellent turnout from strategic partners and local, regional and international experts at the workshop to discuss the latest issues and most effective strategies to implement the highest standards of maritime safety and security. This is imperative to maintaining an ideal operating environment that fosters healthy competitiveness among maritime players in the Emirate and activates the industry's role in supporting major economic segments. Through the various activities that will be held during the event, with the close collaboration with strategic partners, we look forward to achieving a highly fruitful outcome, reflecting our common goal to boost Dubai's presence on the local, regional and international maritime map," Ali concluded.

Dubai Maritime Week 2012, being held from November 25 to 30, will host a wide range of specialized events, including conferences, panel discussions, interactive workshops and dedicated seminars, with the participation of strategic partners from Dubai government authorities; in addition to a series of public-oriented activities to celebrate the UAE's rich maritime heritage, namely its fishing and pearl-hunting practices.

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