The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has launched the UAE Maritime Cluster to be an umbrella for the local and federal government and private organisations in the maritime sector. The move aims to promote the UAE’s maritime sector globally. It also supports the Ministry’s role in building alternative economic components to the oil sector, supporting its strategy to be a key contributor to the ‘Projects of the 50’ initiatives. The cluster brings together organisations and individuals in the sector and unites the capabilities of the UAE maritime sector to build a unified force that enhances the UAE’s position as one of the top five global maritime hubs.
To launch the Cluster, the Ministry will build a communication network consisting of the various entities in the maritime sector. This will act as a platform for launching various activities and events that the UAE Maritime Cluster will implement. It will also be a knowledge hub for external maritime authorities around the world to learn about the opportunities available in the maritime industry and invest in the UAE’s blue economy.
H.E. Eng. Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure in the UAE, said, “The UAE is a unique success story in government excellence. Building on the model of the UAE Union, we will unify the UAE maritime sector by launching the UAE Maritime Cluster, which will be a platform that integrates the capabilities of the various entities and organisations, whether federal, local or from the private sector. The Cluster will enhance their performance by bringing together the competencies and experiences of professionals and experts working in the UAE’s maritime sector, many of whom are world-class experts. This will build a giant think tank and a portfolio for the national maritime capabilities, to create new opportunities for the development of the maritime sector. This is similar to the Union among the Emirates that created new opportunities for the people of the UAE to achieve growth and prosperity.”
Al Mazrouei said that announcing the first set of Projects of the 50 gives the maritime sector a great boost, as it opens up many opportunities for it to expand, grow and attract more investments. The maritime industry plays a key role in developing and increasing the UAE’s exports. It also empowers and supports the industrial sector and the UAE’s role in international trade through several major investment arms. These include developing ports and operating terminals in more than 70 countries around the world as well as managing ships and maritime fleets. The UAE’s fleet ranks 21st globally in terms of tonnage capacity.
Integrated UAE Maritime Cluster
The UAE Maritime Cluster will feature a portal with a centralised database of entities within the maritime sector as well as a network of maritime organisations and professionals in the UAE. It will also organise events, conferences and panel discussions to bring together the government and private sectors to discuss ideas, advance the maritime sector and help formulate the maritime strategy for the next 50 years.
A central think tank will be launched to explore investment opportunities and innovative maritime projects as a result of unifying the efforts and ideas of maritime organisations in the UAE. Cooperation will also be strengthened between students from maritime academies, facilitating connect with experts and professionals in the UAE. This will contribute to the Emiratisation of leadership positions in the maritime sector, leading to the creation of a new generation of maritime professionals for the next 50 years, in line with principles of the Projects of the 50. The UAE Maritime Cluster will also include a business incubator to support young entrepreneurs and a platform for Research and Development (R&D) that brings together the academic and scientific competencies of the academic sector in the UAE and the Arab region. Several accelerators will also stimulate the generation of innovative ideas and turn them into strategic maritime projects.
