By Eva Richardson | The Logistic News | March 28, 2025
In a move that underscores the growing significance of the Middle East in global maritime strategy, The Nautical Institute has officially announced that it will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and a major international conference during Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East 2025, one of the region’s most influential maritime events.
Scheduled to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the joint initiative marks a strategic alignment between two prominent industry platforms, setting the stage for high-level dialogue, professional development, and actionable insights into the challenges shaping the future of global maritime operations.
A Platform for Policy and Practice
The upcoming conference, to be held alongside the Institute’s AGM, is expected to attract maritime professionals, shipowners, port authorities, regulators, and innovators from across the world. With maritime safety, sustainability, and digitalization at the core of current industry transformation, the event will serve as a launchpad for new strategies and cooperative solutions.
“This collaboration allows us to directly engage with one of the fastest-growing maritime hubs while advancing our mission of professional excellence and safety at sea,” said Captain John Lloyd, CEO of The Nautical Institute. “Bringing our AGM and technical discussions to this region highlights our recognition of the Middle East’s expanding role in global maritime leadership.”
Driving Maritime Excellence in the Gulf
Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East has consistently positioned itself as a bridge between traditional shipping sectors and the emerging logistics landscape of the Gulf. The addition of The Nautical Institute’s AGM not only enhances the event’s global profile but also emphasizes the importance of education, certification, and continuous professional development in navigating the modern maritime environment.
Topics expected to dominate the conference include:
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Navigating regulatory complexities and ESG compliance
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The evolving role of maritime AI and automation
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Talent development in the shipping industry
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Safety culture and risk management
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Regional maritime investment and port infrastructure
The Nautical Institute’s presence will also include expert-led technical sessions and knowledge-sharing workshops, designed to foster collaboration between seasoned professionals and the next generation of maritime leaders.
A Reflection of Regional Momentum
As ports across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Gulf accelerate infrastructure upgrades and embrace digital logistics solutions, international organizations are increasingly choosing the Middle East as a strategic meeting ground.
According to event organizers, this year’s edition of Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East is expected to welcome over 250 exhibitors and 10,000 attendees from across 70+ countries, reflecting not just regional momentum, but the global community’s growing interest in Gulf-led innovation.
The decision by The Nautical Institute to anchor its global gathering in Dubai is further evidence that the Middle East is no longer just a logistics corridor—it is becoming a thought leadership capital for the global maritime and logistics sectors.
About the Author
Eva Richardson is a senior correspondent for The Logistic News, covering global shipping, supply chain transformation, and maritime innovation. She frequently reports from major trade events and interviews leading decision-makers in logistics.