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The United Arab Emirates showcased its digital transformation achievements in the maritime and logistics sector during the international Maritime and Logistics Conference in Alexandria, Egypt. The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure participated in a dialogue session at the MarLog conference, which brought together ministers and senior officials from the maritime sector to discuss digital innovation and technological advancement in maritime transport.
Engineer Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure for Maritime Transport Affairs, represented the UAE during the session. According to the ministry, Al Malek presented the country’s success stories and pioneering experience in implementing digital solutions across its maritime transport and logistics operations.
Digital Transformation in Maritime Transport
During her presentation, Al Malek emphasized that the UAE has achieved a qualitative leap in its maritime transport and logistics system through the adoption of advanced digital solutions. The transformation includes the deployment of artificial intelligence technologies and the development of smart platforms designed to manage maritime operations and supply chains with greater efficiency and flexibility.
The digital platforms introduced by the UAE enable streamlined management of port operations, vessel movements, and cargo handling processes. These technological innovations represent a significant shift from traditional maritime operations toward integrated digital ecosystems that enhance operational capabilities.
Impact on Logistics Corridors
According to the ministry’s statement, the digital leap in maritime transport has directly contributed to enhancing the efficiency of logistics corridors within the UAE. The smart systems have elevated the readiness and competitive capacity of the country’s maritime infrastructure, positioning UAE ports among the most technologically advanced in the region.
Additionally, the impact of these digital initiatives extends beyond national borders. Al Malek noted that the improvements have affected regional and international logistics corridors, supporting the smooth flow of international trade and strengthening the reliability of global supply chains.
Regional Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
The UAE’s participation in the MarLog conference in Alexandria reflects the country’s commitment to regional cooperation in maritime development. The dialogue session provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange between maritime authorities across different countries, facilitating the sharing of best practices in digital transformation.
Meanwhile, the conference served as a platform for discussing common challenges facing the maritime and logistics sector in the Middle East and North Africa region. The gathering of ministers and senior officials highlighted the importance of collaborative approaches to modernizing maritime infrastructure and operations.
Artificial Intelligence in Maritime Operations
The integration of artificial intelligence in maritime transport represents a key component of the UAE’s digital strategy. These AI-powered systems enhance decision-making processes, optimize route planning, and improve predictive maintenance of maritime infrastructure and vessels.
However, the ministry did not disclose specific details about particular AI applications or the timeline for future technological implementations. The focus remained on demonstrating proven achievements and the tangible benefits realized through digital transformation initiatives already in place.
The conference proceedings are expected to continue with additional sessions exploring various aspects of maritime innovation and logistics optimization. Authorities have not confirmed whether further bilateral agreements or collaborative initiatives will emerge from the UAE’s participation in the Alexandria gathering.
