Vital issues related to the shipping and maritime industry both globally and to the Middle East region will be the focus of a conference to be held in Dubai next year.

The first edition of the Mare Forum to be hosted by Dubai annually will be held on February 14 under the patronage of Sheikh  Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Office.

The international event will see a huge participation from senior industry leaders regionally and globally and is expected to accentuate the importance of the growth of the marine and maritime industries in Dubai and its growing recognition as a global maritime centre, said a statement.

The forum aims to modernise and develop the different sectors of the shipping and maritime industry at the international level. It will also contribute greatly to the consolidation in the relevant sectors of the marine industry, energy, and oil and gas sectors, it said.
 
Khamis Juma Buamim, chairman of Drydocks World and Maritime World, said: “The honour accorded by Sheikh Hamdan's patronage to the event gives us the motivation to continue to improve the maritime and the marine sectors to the highest level of international standards.”
 
The focus of the forum will include issues related to the impact of the changing face of the world economy, with a shift of its centre from West to East.

The status of traditional marine relationships with the countries of the African continent, issues and topics related to the region, including the conditions of trade and its impact on the global economy, prospects for commodity markets, issues related to shipping solid and liquid cargo by sea and the prospects for container markets will be examined.

Issues related to funding and investments, including relevant aspects related to new ships, fuel, and innovations to create environmental friendly business, technological developments, and smart investments will also form a key focus during the event.

The conference will also discuss issues related to geopolitical concerns and their impact on the industry and will also explore the future potential of the maritime clusters in the region and Dubai, including Dubai Maritime City. - TradeArabia News Service