Dubai Maritime Agenda 2017, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and chairman of the Executive Council, has begun preparations to host a line-up of international speakers. The event will explore the future of the maritime sector in adherence with local and nationwide efforts to prepare for a post oil economy.
The Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) is ensuring the platform will bring together an elite group of international maritime industry leaders. Influential personalities, regional and international experts, and decision-makers will convene to discuss rapidly evolving global developments, and review Dubais achievements aimed at enhancing the role of the maritime sector as a vital pillar of national economic diversification, in line with Dubai Plan 2021.
Amer Ali, executive director of DMCA, said: Dubai Maritime Agenda has become a leading international platform, bringing together a number of elite influential international dignitaries, leading regional and international experts, decision-makers and maritime leaders to review in-depth insights on the role of the maritime industry as a major contributor to the growth of the global economy. The agenda provides an ideal platform for highlighting Dubai position as a major player in the advancement of the local and global maritime industry based on the pillars of creativity, technological innovation, excellence, training and human investment. We look forward to hosting the first event of its kind in the Middle East, which will constitute a milestone in our efforts to explore the future of technology, legislation and training.
He added: The event supports the DMCA’s commitment to translate the objectives of the Dubai Maritime Sector Strategy, which are focused on enhancing the competitiveness of the local maritime cluster, creating a favorable marine environment for foreign investments that would further enhance the role of the maritime sector in economic diversification to make Dubai one of the most prestigious maritime capitals in the world. The second edition is drawing international attention with its focus on various key issues such as the exploration of the future of the maritime sector, with a particular emphasis on advanced technology and emerging innovations such as 3D printing, automated ships and smart transformation, among others, to further develop a sustainable and integrated maritime sector at both the regional and international levels.
The invited international speakers will be led by Clive Aston, London Maritime Arbitration Association; Nijoe Joseph, partner, Stephenson Harwood Middle East; Dipak Karki, head of financial advisory and capital at Galbraith’s Limited; Sergey Popravko, CEO, SCF Management Services; and Mark Williams, managing partner, Affinity Research.
The distinguished speakers will be joined by a group of high-profile personalities during the panel discussions, which will be moderated by journalist and broadcaster Todd Benjamin. The group will include Kaity Arsoniadis-Stein, executive director, Vancouver International Maritime Centre; Mark Beer OBE, co-chief executive and registrar general, DIFC Courts; Arthur Bowring MH, Hong Kong Maritime Arbitration Group (HKMAG); Rene Kofod-Olsen, CEO, Topaz Energy and Marine; Oskar Levander, vice-president innovation, engineering & technology Marine, Rolls-Royce; Marcus Machin, CEO Tufton Oceanic (Middle East); Panos G. Moraitis, CEO, Aspida; Edward Newitt, executive committee, Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre (EMAC); Stephan Piworus, senior vice-president, Identec Solutions; and Robert G. Shaw, president, Society of Maritime Arbitrators.
The agenda will include panel discussions on Global Outlook for Shipping, Safely Sailing the High Seas Reducing the Legal Risks, and Future of Shipping Technology. Among the topics to be discussed are 3D printing, energy, and automated ships. Finance for shipping in the next decade and the role of shipping banks will also be discussed, in addition to maritime clustering (collaboration or competition), during which representatives of some of the worlds leading international maritime hubs will shed light on the opportunities and challenges related to the competitive and collaborative relationship among the global maritime capitals.
The event is scheduled to take place on October 10, 2017 in Dubai, and will witness some of the most important figures in the marine industry.