UAE Hosts 22nd Annual Meeting Of Riyadh Memorandum Committee To Enhance Maritime Safety

The UAE recently hosted the 22nd annual meeting of the Riyadh Memorandum of Understanding Committee. This three-day event brought together representatives from maritime administrations across GCC countries to discuss enhancing maritime safety and the blue economy. The focus was on improving ship efficiency at GCC ports by ensuring compliance with international marine environmental protection, navigation safety, and life preservation standards.

Participants emphasised the need for training programmes and workshops for marine inspectors in the Gulf states. These initiatives aim to improve the skills of personnel responsible for inspecting foreign ships at commercial ports. By enhancing expertise, the region can maintain high safety and quality standards in marine inspection and control operations.

Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), chaired the meeting. She highlighted that better coordination among GCC countries in maritime inspection is crucial for a safe and sustainable marine environment. This also boosts Gulf ports' competitiveness globally. "We are committed to developing human resources and enhancing their readiness to keep up with the ongoing developments in the maritime sector in line with the best practices and international standards," she noted.

Captain Jaber Saif Al Shehhi, Director of the Inspection and Control Department at MoEI, represented the UAE at this meeting. He stated that these gatherings demonstrate GCC countries' dedication to improving maritime security and safety. "These meetings contribute to developing maritime inspection and control mechanisms," he said, adding that they facilitate sharing best practices among member states.

The discussions also focused on strengthening marine inspectors' capabilities through advanced training courses. Such efforts ensure adherence to high-quality standards and international compliance, benefiting both the maritime sector and regional economy. The commitment shown by GCC countries reflects their determination to enhance security measures across their waters.

The meeting underscored a collective effort towards achieving excellence in maritime operations within GCC nations. By prioritising training, coordination, and compliance, these countries aim to foster a safer marine environment while boosting economic growth through improved port operations.

With inputs from WAM