The Middle East Women in Maritime Summit, organised by ABS, saw its second iteration unfold at the Address Dubai Mall. Over 150 professionals gathered to highlight the growing involvement of women in the maritime sector in this region.
The summit, themed "Advancing Women in Maritime – Challenges and Opportunities," provided a platform to discuss leadership and mentorship narratives within the rapidly expanding maritime ecosystem of the Middle East.
Keynote address
The event was graced by Her Excellency Engineer Hessa Al Malek, an advisor to the UAE Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, and Engineer Khalid Alhammad, President of Bahri Ship Management.
In her keynote address, H.E. Eng. Hessa Al Malek reflected on her accomplishments, while heading the Arab Women in Maritime Association (AWIMA), and announced that Noura Alqathami from Saudi Arabia's Transport General Authority will assume the role of the association's new president.
Next generation of maritime pioneers
These endeavours are setting new standards and are seen as inspirational for future generations
H.E. Eng. Hessa Al Malek stressed the industry's collective success in advancing women’s roles, stating, "The success of women in maritime is not a women’s issue, it is an industry success story."
Khalid Alhammad highlighted initiatives, such as training 25 female cadets through partnerships with Sharjah Maritime Academy and the Saudi Flag IMO NextWave Seafarers program.
These endeavours are setting new standards and are seen as inspirational for future generations. Alhammad also expressed gratitude to ABS for supporting and hosting the summit, underscoring the potential for a more collaborative and innovative maritime future.
Event’s panel discussion
The summit featured a panel discussion moderated by Jessica Mahaffey, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.
Panelists included Eng. Mashael Al Marzooqi of ADNOC Logistics & Services, Alia Al Janahi of DP World, Anan Abdullatif from Asyad Shipping, Natalie Sallaum of Sallaum Lines, and Nicolai Friis of Adani Ports & Harbour Services International.
The dialogue focused on the role of collaboration in driving innovation, structuring career pathways for women, and the impact of mentorship in the maritime sector.
How collaboration fuels innovation
The discussion emphasised the value of mentorship and shared personal accounts from seafaring experiences
A fireside chat titled "Leading the Way: Stories of Female Trailblazers in Maritime" featured Dr. Carolin Stumm from Hapag-Lloyd Middle East, Maria Kristina Javellana from Hafnia Chemical Tankers, and Bahri cadets Dr. Mariam Alshaikh and Anoud Al-Blooshi.
The discussion emphasised the significance of mentorship and shared personal accounts from seafaring experiences.
Collaboration across industry
Dheeraj Sharma, ABS Vice President, Marine & Offshore Regional Business Development (MEA), remarked on the value of the summit, stating, "Each story we heard today — whether from seasoned pioneers or new cadets — shows that talent, not gender, defines excellence."
The event highlighted how industry-wide collaboration is crucial in driving meaningful transformation.
ABS hosted the second edition of the Middle East Women in Maritime Summit at the Address Dubai Mall, gathering more than 150 industry professionals to celebrate the expanding role of women in the region’s maritime sector.
Themed “Advancing Women in Maritime – Challenges and Opportunities,” the summit showcased stories of leadership and mentorship across the Middle East’s fast-growing maritime ecosystem.
Keynote address
Guests of honour included Her Excellency Engineer Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the UAE Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs and outgoing President of the Arab Women in Maritime Association (AWIMA), and Engineer Khalid Alhammad, President of Bahri Ship Management.
In her keynote address, H.E. Eng. Hessa Al Malek reflected on her tenure leading AWIMA and announced the appointment of Noura Alqathami of Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority as the association’s new president.
Next generation of maritime pioneers
“The success of women in maritime is not a women’s issue, it is an industry success story,” said H.E. Eng. Hessa Al Malek, adding “When we include more perspectives, we strengthen safety, innovation, and competitiveness.”
“This year, our commitment has been exemplified by training 25 female cadets in partnership with Sharjah Maritime Academy and under the Saudi Flag IMO NextWave Seafarers program. These talented women are now part of our fleet, setting a new standard for the region and inspiring the next generation of maritime pioneers. We also extend our sincere gratitude to ABS for their steadfast support and for hosting this important event. Together, we are shaping a more collaborative, innovative, and resilient future for maritime,” said Eng. Khalid Alhammad.
Event’s panel discussion
Moderated by Jessica Mahaffey, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, the event’s panel discussion featured:
- Eng. Mashael Al Marzooqi, Vice President of Asset Management, ADNOC Logistics & Services
- Alia Al Janahi, Vice President, HSE, DP World
- Anan Abdullatif, Senior Manager, Commercial Operations, Asyad Shipping
- Natalie Sallaum, Chief Relationship Officer, Sallaum Lines
- Nicolai Friis, CEO, Adani Ports & Harbour Services International
How collaboration fuels innovation
The panel explored how collaboration fuels innovation, how companies can establish structured career pathways for women, and how mentorship can help more women succeed in maritime careers.
The program also featured a fireside chat, “Leading the Way: Stories of Female Trailblazers in Maritime,” with Dr. Carolin Stumm, Area Managing Director at Hapag-Lloyd Middle East; Maria Kristina Javellana, General Manager – Head of Fleet at Hafnia Chemical Tankers, and Bahri cadets Dr. Mariam Alshaikh and Anoud Al-Blooshi, who shared first-hand experiences from life at sea and the importance of mentorship in shaping the next generation.
Collaboration across industry
“Each story we heard today — whether from seasoned pioneers or new cadets — shows that talent, not gender, defines excellence,” said Dheeraj Sharma, ABS Vice President, Marine & Offshore Regional Business Development (MEA).
He adds, “This summit continues to grow because collaboration across our industry is making real change possible.”
