2025 Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards Recognise Excellence And Innovation In Marina Industry

Under the auspices of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards for 2025 were announced at the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show. The event was organised by Abu Dhabi Maritime, part of AD Ports Group, in partnership with the Integrated Transport Centre. The awards aim to highlight excellence in the marina industry across the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT region).

The awards ceremony was attended by Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation. This year, the awards expanded their scope to include organisation-wide, individual, and project-based achievements. A total of 22 winners were honoured across various categories.

Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the Integrated Transport Centre, remarked on the significance of these awards. "The Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards continue to reflect our dedication to advancing the maritime sector through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. By recognising outstanding contributions from across the MENAT region, we not only celebrate achievements but also foster a culture of continuous improvement."

Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Chief Sustainability Officer at AD Ports Group, added that these awards are more than just a celebration. "More than a celebration, the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards are a catalyst for progress in the marina industry. Each year, we witness remarkable advancements in innovation, safety, and sustainability."

This edition introduced an artificial intelligence agent into its secure online submission platform. The AI system helped assessors by organising data for easy access and identifying potential strengths and weaknesses in submissions. This integration marks a step towards further AI involvement in future evaluations.

The assessment process involved teams of qualified assessors who scored entries based on specific criteria for each award category. Their findings were then submitted to jury members who conducted their own qualitative examinations before deciding on winners.

Diverse Expertise Among Assessors

The diversity among this year's 13 assessors was notable. These experts brought experience from fields such as customer experience strategy, quality management, marketing, sustainable development, and business excellence across 12 countries on five continents.

The jury comprised distinguished leaders with decades of practice in industry consultancy and quality frameworks. Their collective expertise ensured a rigorous evaluation process that reinforced the awards' reputation as a measure of excellence in maritime sectors.

The fourth edition of these prestigious awards is scheduled for fall 2026. As Abu Dhabi continues its rise as a global maritime hub, these awards underscore its commitment to setting world-class standards within this vital industry.

With inputs from WAM