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UAE Leads Maritime Digital Shift at 34th IMO Assembly

UAE Participates in 34th Session of International Maritime Organisation Assembly

Eng Hessa Al Malek, a woman wearing a beige hijab and coat, speaks at a podium with the IMO logo during the 34th session of the International Maritime Organisation Assembly in London, with UN and IMO flags in the background, and delegates seated at a panel including a bald man with headphones and a woman with short hair wearing a floral blouse.
Eng Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the UAE Minister for Maritime Transport, delivers remarks at the 34th session of the IMO Assembly at the organisation’s headquarters in London on November 26, 2025.

LONDON 26th November, 2025 The United Arab Emirates took part in the 34th session of the International Maritime Organisation Assembly, held at the organisation’s headquarters in London.

Eng Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, led the UAE delegation participating in the meetings, which drew wide international attendance to discuss the future of the global maritime sector amid evolving environmental and technological developments.

Al Malek said that the maritime sector, including shipping, is facing a rapid shift towards digitalisation and automation. She noted that the UAE believes the organisation should continue to integrate new and emerging technologies into its regulatory framework, including the development of the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships Code and the mandatory use of electronic data exchange within the maritime single window with its related cyber risk.

She stated that it is positive that the organisation has begun work on establishing a dedicated strategy for maritime digitalisation to support innovation, resilience, efficiency, and growth in the sector, involving both governments and industry stakeholders.

Al Malek added that significant progress has been achieved in decarbonisation since the adoption of the revised 2023 IMO Strategy on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships, describing it as a milestone contributing to global climate efforts.

In this context, she highlighted that the UAE, guided by its goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, acknowledges the importance of advancing realistically and steadily toward maritime sector decarbonisation in a manner that supports the continuity of global trade and economic growth.

Al Malek emphasised that the human element remains of great importance to the shipping industry, noting that it forms the basis of the sector and the smooth operation of global trade.

She said that seafarers will continue to be central to the organisation’s work, especially during the current transformation, which may affect workforce readiness. She explained that the organisation should assess the essential skills required in the current decade to ensure seafarers remain prepared for emerging challenges, while considering the importance of fair treatment, inclusivity, equality, diversity, the empowerment of women, and support for gender equality.

She added that the effective implementation of the organisation’s initiatives is crucial, noting that the organisation has nearly 60 years of experience and has developed more than 50 international treaties along with related standards, guidelines, and documents. She said that member states must first understand the requirements of this extensive body of international law to ensure effective, efficient, and consistent implementation and enforcement.

Al Malek concluded her remarks by reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to international cooperation and to building a more resilient and sustainable maritime ecosystem.

She also underlined the UAE’s support for the organisation’s efforts to protect the marine environment, strengthen the safety and security of navigation, and enhance the capabilities of countries toward a more efficient and prosperous maritime future.

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