On 18 April, two days after Dubai experienced its highest rainfall in 75 years, the 2024 AGA took place at the Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah. As some roads were still flooded and inaccessible, the MOCD facilitated both in-person and virtual attendance, with 21 of the 25 Operating Members present, marking the 75% necessary for the meeting to achieve quorum. Our associate members’ attendance at the event was encouraging too, and we thank all of them for their continuing support.

Amendments to the Articles of Association

The AGA’s first order of business was a series of important revisions to the organisation’s founding documents, the Articles of Association. The changes, designed to better serve and represent the members, were unanimously approved.

Two New Board Members

We warmly welcomed two new Board Members and look forward to their contributions to the association:

Shamis Aldhaheri – Ali & Sons
Group CEO Ali & Sons

Shamis Aldhaheri is the Group CEO of Ali & Sons, where he oversees the strategic growth and operations of the group’s diverse interests in automotive, real estate, oil & gas, and construction. With a Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering from the University of London, his career highlights include a pivotal role at ADNOC and significant contributions to the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Shamis is known for his strategic focus, operational expertise, and commitment to team building.

We are delighted to welcome Mr. Aldhaheri to the 7Emirates Board.

Martin Helweg – P&O Maritime
CEO P&O Maritime Logistics

Martin Helweg serves as the CEO of P&O Maritime Logistics, a leading global marine solutions provider with a fleet of over 400 vessels. With over two decades of global experience in the maritime sector, Martin’s leadership roles have spanned continents and companies, including COO at Topaz Energy and Marine and CEO positions at Svitzer in the Americas and Asia. His expertise lies in managing complex operations in offshore energy, port services, and short-sea transport.

We are delighted to welcome Mr. Helweg to the 7Emirates Board.

2024 – The Year of Action

Chairman Abdulkareem Almessabi and Secretary-General Anders Østergaard highlighted the successes of 2023 in defining the association’s new direction. Østergaard also noted the growing digital presence of 7Emirates, with over 6,000 followers on LinkedIn and a significant increase in Google searches – a significant milestone achieved in the previous year.

Sub-Committees

Looking ahead, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to 2024 being the Year of Action, mobilising the association’s sub-committees to tackle key strategic objectives, including: 

• Advocating for the UAE Registry as a Flag State, which will have an impact on Tax Reforms
• Decarbonization of the Shipping Sector, and initiatives taken, one being the Maritime Leadership Program – with details shared below. 
• Advancing Safety and Diversity of the Maritime Workforce

To learn more and to take part in the Sub-Committees, please register your interest at https://7emirates.com/about/committees/.

Maritime Leadership Program

Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure and in collaboration with AP Moeller Maersk, Emirates Shipping Association is launching a program entitled “Maritime Leadership Program” (MLP24). Spearheaded by Emirates Shipping Association Board member Dr. Waddah Al Hashimi, who spoke keenly about the benefits of the program for the attendees. The program is set to be held in Copenhagen, Denmark from 27 to 31st May, 2024. 

Hosted by the Emirates Shipping Association, MLP24 is a rare opportunity to network, learn, and elevate one’s maritime leadership skills by engaging with top Danish maritime experts.

Benefits for participants:

• Innovation and Technology Insights: Attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of the latest technologies used in the maritime sector, particularly those aiding in the digitization of vessel operations and driving decarbonization efforts.
• Networking Opportunities: The program provides a platform to connect with leading industry experts from both the UAE and Denmark, enabling the exchange of ideas and strategies, particularly those aimed at achieving net-zero emissions.
• Skill Enhancement: Through interactive sessions and exposure to current industry practices, participants will enhance their skills, preparing them to effectively address the challenges and opportunities in the maritime sector.
• Future-Oriented Learning: The program offers insights into the future of vessel operations and the broader maritime industry, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to lead in the rapidly evolving maritime landscape.

With just a few seats remaining in this exclusive event, please visit https://7emirates.com/MLP/ to secure your spot. 

A ‘Thank You’ to Our Members

We wrapped up the AGA networking under the beautiful Dubai sunshine, surrounded by lush greenery against the backdrop of Jumeirah beach.

The AGA was an important reminder that our members are what makes the Emirates Shipping Association possible. We thank all our members for their contributions and look forward to another year of exciting initiatives and achievements together.

If you’re not yet a member, we invite you to explore membership opportunities at https://7emirates.com/membership/. 

Join us in shaping the future of the maritime industry!