Abu Dhabi Maritime Announces Third Edition Of Maritime Awards For Excellence In Marina Management

Abu Dhabi Maritime, part of AD Ports Group, in partnership with the Integrated Transport Centre of Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipalities and Transport, has announced the third edition of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards. This event will coincide with the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show on 20th November 2025. The awards aim to set standards for excellence in marina management across the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT).

The awards are open to all licensed marina owners or operators in the MENAT region. Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the Integrated Transport Centre, stated that this initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing marina operations. He emphasised that it supports Abu Dhabi’s goals for urban development and economic diversification while improving maritime services.

Capt. Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Chief Sustainability Officer at AD Ports Group, noted last year's overwhelming response to the awards. "We had a tremendous response to the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards last year, with triple the number of submissions we received in the programme’s first edition," he said. This year, they have expanded to 13 award categories plus one special recognition.

Returning categories include "Customer Experience," "Employer Excellence," "Health & Safety," "Innovation," and "Sustainability." The top honour, "Outstanding Marina," is awarded to marinas excelling in these areas. A new category, "Outstanding Emerging Marina," targets small and medium enterprises with up to 200 berths.

The programme introduces six new project and individual-based categories. These include three project-based awards: "Sustainability Project," "Innovation Project," and "Wellbeing Project." These categories highlight specific successful initiatives rather than broad organisational efforts.

Celebrating Individual Contributions

Three individual categories have been added to recognise influential figures in the marina industry. The awards include "Outstanding Leader Award," "Outstanding Service Hero Award," and "Rising Star Award." These aim to honour managers and workers who inspire their peers and communities.

The popular vote will also return with the "Most Popular Marina" recognition. Later this year, public voting will be available through a secure online portal. This allows community members to support their favourite marinas by casting votes directly.

Applicants for "Outstanding Marina" and "Outstanding Emerging Marina" are automatically considered for five organisational sub-categories. To ensure fairness, winners of these top honours cannot win additional organisation-based awards. This approach aims to provide equal opportunities for all participating marinas.

The Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards continue to highlight exceptional work within the regional marina industry. By expanding categories and recognising both projects and individuals, they aim to bring global attention to innovative ideas and achievements across MENAT marinas.

With inputs from WAM