The UAE is seeking to join the Board of the International Maritime Organisation, IMO, as a "Category B" member, which is supported by its leading ranking on the map of international ports, as the first placed country on a regional and Arab level and third on an international level, in terms of the quality of the infrastructure of its maritime ports.

Winning this membership will realise the UAE’s vital role as a major player in the international maritime sector, based on its persistent efforts to continue its supporting role in enhancing the international maritime system and developing the standards of maritime transport policies, to comply with the requirements of the 21st century.

Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Authority for Land and Maritime Transport, said that the UAE possesses competitive elements and capacities that enable it to keep pace with technological developments and lead the journey of excellence in applying the best practices and the best accredited international standards.

He added that the UAE is an influential player on the international maritime map, due to its links with 20 important and leading ports around the world, and for managing 77 global ports including in the United States and Europe. He also highlighted its experience in operating local ports, which are among the most important international ports.

Dr. Al Nuaimi explained that the UAE has made considerable efforts to develop its maritime infrastructure, including its maritime transport, navigation, hydrography and meteorology services, as well as its search and rescue services, emergency response services and port facilities, and its measures to facilitate trade, cargo handling and logistics systems. He also noted that the UAE’s application will be supported by large future investments to the local port development and enlargement projects, with an expected value reaching AED157 billion.

The UAE is the only Arab country to be nominated as a member of the IMO, and it will compete with 11 leading countries in the field of maritime international trade for a Category B seat, which includes Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina, France and Australia.

The Executive Board of the IMO is the main international legislative authority that approves maritime laws and agreements on the safety of maritime navigation and the marine environment. The members of the organisation will be elected during its 30th Ordinary Meeting in November 2017