Dubai [UAE], December 9 (ANI/WAM): The UAE has further consolidated its international role within the global maritime system through a steady stream of initiatives, positions and draft resolutions it has proposed and supported at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in recent years.
These efforts have led to the adoption of several significant decisions that have helped shape global maritime operations and have reinforced the UAE’s standing as an influential nation in maritime transport. The UAE has secured a seat on the IMO Council for five consecutive terms, becoming the first Arab country to do so in Category B — a milestone seen as reflecting global confidence in the country’s leadership and its status as a maritime hub.
During its tenure, the UAE backed a package of decisions now embedded in the global maritime framework, including the IMO Maritime Capacity Development Strategy; adoption of Arabic as a working language of the Assembly; consolidated amendments to the IMO Convention; standards and procedures for live broadcasting of Assembly sessions; the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure; recognition of Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha as official holidays; and calls for States to ratify the 2021 amendments to the Convention.
The UAE has also played a central role in drafting and supporting technical, legislative and regulatory measures such as the IMO Strategic Plan 2024–2029 and its implementation, the results-based budget for 2026–2027, the 2025 Port State Control standards, the 2025 HSSC System Guidelines, the Integrated IMO Number Scheme, GMDSS satellite communication requirements for navigation and safety, and the 2025 non-exhaustive list of obligations related to IMO instruments.
“Through its active presence within IMO, the UAE continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading maritime hubs, serving as a model in leveraging maritime diplomacy to support sustainable development and enhance the competitiveness of the global economy in the decades ahead,” said Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. She noted that the five consecutive terms on the Council confirm the UAE’s international standing and leadership in developing global maritime legislation.
Mohammed Khamis Al Kaabi, UAE Permanent Representative to IMO, said the UAE’s contributions reflect a clear vision grounded in joint action, greater transparency, enhanced safety and security standards, and measures that facilitate global maritime trade. He added that these efforts support developing countries — particularly least developed countries and small island developing states — and strengthen cooperation among Arab states within global maritime decision-making. (ANI/WAM)
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