Marasi Magazine Issue 35

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ranked fourth globally, and the volume of container handling
ranked third globally. The State thus ranks 14th
according to the general arrangement.
At the FTA, we are working to provide a holistic perspective
of the future’s direction and features of the
maritime transport industry in the country, in coordination
with our strategic partners to maximize the interests
and investments in this industry, giving them the
opportunity to see the latest developments and global
trends in the field of maritime transport.
We are also working on creating regulatory frameworks
to create investment opportunities in the maritime field,
building plans, and developing investment, management
and employment policies in maritime transport in order
to enhance its role and economic returns, as well as increase
its contribution to the national economy in the
future.
What are the latest developments in the State’s nomination
file for membership in the IMO’s Executive
Board for Category-B for a second consecutive session?
The UAE is an active member of the International
Maritime Organization (IMO) and is re-bidding for a seat
on the organization's board during this year's elections.
A team was formed to support the nomination of the
State to the Executive Council of the IMO from various
institutions concerned with the State. The team has submitted
the file related to the application for re-candidacy
and drawing up a plan that includes the most important
axes to highlight the UAE's maritime status.
Securing Category-B membership within the International
Maritime Organization (IMO) will allow us to
take an active role in mapping the future of the global
maritime system and overcoming the challenges of the
sector. Additionally, we will be able to better protect the
best interests of the State, which is especially important
given our 20 ports, 10 of which are listed among the
best global ports as it relates to advanced infrastructure
In shipping.
Can we look at the most important developments in
the new maritime law?
The FTA, as the maritime administration in the UAE in
the maritime transport sector, develops all legal and technical
aspects, as well as regulates and controls maritime
navigation in UAE ports, coasts and territorial waters,
UAE vessels, and foreign vessels visiting and operating in
UAE waters. It is an international industry by nature and
needs international standards and requirements that are
universally applied. In this regard, the FTA completed the
preparation of the draft Maritime Trade Law No. (26) for
the year 1981 and its amendments, in cooperation with
one of the international legal expertise houses, to cope
with the great development in the field of domestic and
international maritime transport. For more than three
decades, the UAE has developed a modern maritime law
as a basis for regulating the sector, increasing investment
prospects, encouraging the registration of vessels
under the UAE flag and establishing a legal reference
with high international standards to support the role of
the maritime transport sector in the UAE will achieve the
vision of our wise leadership in the country through the
implementation of strategic objectives. This will develop
and regulate a comprehensive and sustainable transport
sector and enhance its competitiveness.
How can the maritime sector be developed through
legislation and legal frameworks for action?
The FTA works within the framework of its primary
role to regulate the transport sectors in the State in
general, and the maritime sector in particular, which is
keen to keep abreast of the requirements, agreements
and international codes that govern maritime traffic. The
Authority also issues laws and legislations to regulate
maritime transport and port facilities in the State, in cooperation
and coordination with the competent authorities,
to encourage transparency in the business environment.
In the past two years, the FTA has passed more
than one legislation to support, promote and preserve
the interests of the parties working in the sector and
investors.
What are the main pillars of the current strategy of
the Authority to promote the maritime sector in the
UAE?
The FTA’s priorities are based on the completion of
laws and legislations that regulate the activities of the
transport sectors in general, and maritime transport
in particular. This is done to enhance the integration
of transport sectors in both regional and international
competitiveness. This is done through working on a pro-
We are committed to supporting the longterm
economic goals of the UAE and look
forward to creating an integrated maritime
economy that is influential in the economic
development of the UAE and maintains its
global competitiveness.
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