Against the backdrop of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai transformed into a global hub for ocean dialogue as it hosted the World Maritime Day Parallel Event (WMDPE) 2025, bringing together maritime leaders, innovators, and policymakers from across continents.
Held from 30 September to 1 October, the event — organized by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) — focused on the central theme of balancing economic growth with ocean protection.
A Call to Protect Oceans While Driving Progress
Welcoming delegates, H.E. Suhail bin Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, underscored the shared responsibility of nations:
“This gathering allows us to unite efforts to achieve that balance between economic growth and protecting the oceans — keeping them healthy for generations to come.”
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that tackling environmental challenges can open new economic frontiers:
“By facing environmental challenges, we unlock a plethora of opportunities — from shipping and logistics to technology, law, and artificial intelligence,” he said, adding that the IMO continually evolves its global regulatory framework to keep pace with industry transformation.
Panels That Mapped the Future of Maritime Innovation
Over two days, WMDPE 2025 featured five high-level panel discussions and a dedicated maritime innovation exhibition, creating a confluence of ideas on sustainable oceans and resilient maritime economies.
Panel 1: Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity — explored the link between ocean health, prosperity, and governance, while urging greater youth engagement and literacy in the blue economy.
Panel 2: Decarbonization and Climate Change — focused on shipping’s pathway to net-zero emissions, discussing green corridors, alternative fuels, and carbon pricing mechanisms.
Panel 3: Tackling Marine Plastic Litter — delved into waste management innovations, port reception facilities, and the crucial role of seafarers as “frontline defenders” against ocean plastic.
Panel 4: The BBNJ Treaty and Shipping — examined the implications of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) framework for shipping lanes and high seas governance.
Panel 5: Capacity Development for Sustainable Oceans — highlighted IMO-led projects aimed at building maritime capacity, upskilling workforces, and ensuring decent work during the green transition, especially across developing economies.
From Dubai to Busan: A Vision that Continues
The event culminated with a symbolic handover of the WMDPE flag to the Republic of Korea, which will host the 2026 edition in Busan — continuing the dialogue on sustainable oceans, maritime innovation, and equitable growth.
Why It Matters
Dubai’s hosting of WMDPE 2025 reaffirmed its growing role as a maritime innovation hub, bridging nations and industries under a shared vision — that the oceans are not just a resource, but a responsibility.
By championing collaboration, sustainability, and technology, this year’s event set the tone for the future of the maritime sector — one where economic progress sails alongside ocean preservation.