The second Middle East Women in Maritime Summit, hosted by ABS in Dubai, focused on the theme of “Advancing Women in Maritime – Challenges and Opportunities.” The event brought together over 150 industry professionals to celebrate and strategize on the expanding roles of women in the regional maritime sector. A central message from the summit, delivered by H.E. Eng. Hessa Al Malek, was that women’s success is an “industry success story,” arguing that diverse perspectives strengthen safety, innovation, and competitiveness across the industry.
Leadership and Key Initiatives
A major announcement was the appointment of Noura Alqathami of Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority as the new president of the Arab Women in Maritime Association (AWIMA), succeeding H.E. Eng. Hessa Al Malek. The summit also showcased concrete efforts to empower women. Eng. Khalid Alhammad, President of Bahri Ship Management, highlighted his company’s commitment through a partnership with Sharjah Maritime Academy and the Saudi Flag IMO NextWave Seafarers program, which successfully trained 25 female cadets who have now joined Bahri’s fleet.
Discussion and Mentorship
The summit featured both a panel discussion and a fireside chat, both focusing on tangible ways to support women’s careers. Discussions explored how collaboration drives innovation, how companies can implement structured career pathways, and the crucial role of mentorship in helping women advance in the industry. The fireside chat, titled “Leading the Way: Stories of Female Trailblazers in Maritime,” included the firsthand experiences of Bahri cadets, emphasizing the practical importance of mentorship and on-the-job training in shaping the next generation of maritime leaders.
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Source: ABS
