Abu Dhabi Ports attracts over 250 Emirati students to Maritime Industry Open Day

• The Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy hosted an open day with the aim of building the next generation of Emirati maritime leaders in collaboration with the Human Resources Authority (HRA)

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 23 April 2019: Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, the education arm of Abu Dhabi Ports, welcomed over 250 Emiratis to a Maritime Industry Open Day in collaboration with the Human Resources Authority with the goal of selecting outstanding Emirati talent aiming to kick-start their career in the industry.

Captain Maktoum Al Houqani, Managing Director, Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, stated: “We are thrilled at the enthusiastic response from Emirati youth at our Maritime Academy Open Day. The global maritime industry accounts for over 90 percent of global trade, and is a foundation of UAE’s economic development. Careers in this sector provide young people with the opportunity to develop a strong understanding of global trade, develop real-life problem-solving skills and gain invaluable experience through working with international partners.”

“We have seen incredible enthusiasm from an outstanding pool of Emirati students who are passionate about gaining the skills needed to be at the forefront of the industry. Knowledge sharing and educational development is an integral pillar of Abu Dhabi Ports’ commitment to contribute to building a knowledge-based economy in line with the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030.”

The Academy is equipped with the latest simulator units, providing a realistic environment for trainees to gain the experience and knowledge they need for real-world assignments. All courses are approved by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), the UAE Federal Transport Authority (FTA), the International Association Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), and Lloyd’s Register.

The Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy is the first centre approved by the IALA to conduct Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), and Aids to Navigation (AtoN) Courses in the region. The Academy delivers International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Model Courses, all of which meet the requirements of the latest edition of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for seafarers.

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About Abu Dhabi Ports
Established in 2006, Abu Dhabi Ports, the master developer, operator and manager of commercial and community ports within the emirate of Abu Dhabi, in addition to the Port of Fujairah, as well as the trade and logistics hub, KIZAD (KIZAD), in which Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone attracts direct investments to over 100 km2 of free zone opportunities, the largest in the Middle East region.

Inaugurated on Dec 12, 2012 by President of the UAE, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Khalifa Port is the flagship port of Abu Dhabi Ports and is considered to be the first semi-automated container port in the region. Abu Dhabi Ports also owns 50% of Abu Dhabi Terminals, which operates and manages Khalifa Port Container Terminal with a full suite of logistics solutions to benefit trade partners and shipping lines. Abu Dhabi Ports has signed concession agreements at Khalifa Port with two of the world’s largest shipping lines – COSCO SHIPPING Ports Limited and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company. Abu Dhabi Ports plans to expand the current capacity at Khalifa Port from 5 million TEU (total capacity of Khalifa Port terminal 1 and CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal) to 9.1 million TEU over the next five years.

Abu Dhabi Ports’ subsidiaries include Abu Dhabi Marine Services “SAFEEN”, providing a comprehensive range of marine, navigational and ancillary quayside services as well as VTS Services and fleet maintenance in a safe, secure and efficient manner; Maqta Gateway, developer and operator of the first port community in the emirate; and Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, the first permanent cruise terminal in the region. To meet the increasing demand of cruise liners and passengers, Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach was developed, offerings cruise ship passengers a new beach destination with unmatched tourism experiences. Additionally, Abu Dhabi Ports also manages the Maritime Training Centre at Musaffah Port.

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