High-profile government officials and industry professionals will look into the latest maritime issues, challenges and solutions at the inaugural Dubai Maritime Week that opens today in Dubai.

Held under the close collaboration between Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) and Seatrade, the inaugural event is set to be held until November 30 at different venues across the Emirate such as Dubai World Trade Centre, Port Rashid, Al Bastakiya and The Dubai Creek.

The first-of-its kind event is poised to gain strategic importance as a key initiative aiming to promote Dubai’s leading position as a major maritime destination in the region and worldwide.

The event is also being supported by a number of strategic partners, including Dubai Municipality, Dubai Customs, National Transport Authority (NTA), DP World, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Seatrade, the leading publishing house and maritime-related event organiser.

During the opening day, DMCA is hosting a workshop at the Port Rashid Terminal to discuss in-depth, the various aspects of maritime safety in line with DMCA’s strategic priorities to adopt best practices in safety and security standards so as to maintain a safe, and thriving maritime industry.

DMCA’s agenda during the event also includes a range of awareness programmes to underscore the vital role of the maritime industry as an integral part of Dubai’s rich heritage.

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority will conduct a series of cultural activities at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, formerly known as the Al Bastakiya, in addition to several interactive workshops and specialized seminars by Dubai Municipality.

Dubai Maritime Week 2012 will also feature the ‘Seatrade Middle East and Indian Subcontinent Awards’ and the ‘Seatrade Middle East Maritime Exhibition and Conference’, offering a world-class networking platform for local government authorities and industry leaders to explore ways to develop the maritime industry.

Amer Ali, executive director, DMCA, said: “The inaugural edition of Dubai Maritime Week strengthens Dubai’s leading position on the world’s maritime events map.”

“It serves as a strategic platform to ensure direct communication between local government authorities and key maritime players regionally and globally, to share ideas, expertise and best practices to ultimately create an integrated environment to boost Dubai’s maritime sector and reaffirm its role as an economic driver towards sustainable development.”

“We are pleased with the excellent turnout from strategic partners and local, regional and international experts at the workshop to discuss the latest issues and most effective strategies to implement the highest standards of maritime safety and security,” he added.

“This is imperative to maintaining an ideal operating environment that fosters healthy competitiveness among maritime players in the Emirate and activates the industry’s role in supporting major economic segments. Through the various activities that will be held during the event, with the close collaboration with strategic partners, we look forward to achieving a highly fruitful outcome, reflecting our common goal to boost Dubai’s presence on the local, regional and international maritime map,” Ali concluded.

Dubai Maritime Week 2012 will host a wide range of specialised events, including conferences, panel discussions, interactive workshops and dedicated seminars. – TradeArabia News Service