The Emirates Shipping Association brought the UAE’s maritime community together on Thursday evening for Latitude 25° at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Terrace, an event aimed at reflecting on a busy year and outlining priorities for 2026.

Among the distinguished guests were H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq AlMarri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Thomas Kazakos, secretary general of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).

In his remarks, Thomas Kazakos described the gathering as “an illuminating event next to the futuristic ‘Museum of the Future’,” adding that he was “personally very honoured to be invited to address this impressive gathering of the fast growing and diversified Emirates shipping community, enjoying full Government support.”

The association noted that 2025 had been a year of steady growth, with membership surpassing 100 companies and committees advancing work on strengthening the UAE Registry as flag state, standardising the UAE tax framework, and developing leadership and sustainability initiatives.

This work contributed to the Association’s first White Paper, which highlights the maritime sector’s AED 135 billion contribution to GDP in 2024 and the scope for increasing UAE flag adoption over time.

Sponsors and partners supporting the event included Monjasa, HFW, Emarat Maritime LLC, Drydocks World, Ali & Sons Holding LLC, Midstar, Dan-Bunkering, Glander International Bunkering, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Noatum Maritime and Osmium Marketing and Events. The event was produced by Created by Black.