The third edition of the Dubai Maritime Summit organised by the Dubai Maritime City Authority and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, took place on Sunday, 28th October 2018, the first day of the UAE Maritime Week 2018

The Summit aims to strengthen channels of communication between international leaders as well as discuss international best practices and innovative solutions in the global maritime sector based on the key pillars of innovation, knowledge, smart transformation, and cooperation. 

The 2018 event brought together world-class maritime leaders, decision-makers, policy makers and representatives of major maritime companies; and provided a platform for Dubai, one of world’s most competitive and attractive maritime clusters, to showcase its pioneering experience following its inclusion in the top five cities in the International Shipping Centre Development Index (ISCD). 

According to H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and Chairman of Dubai Maritime City Authority, Summit represents a major boost to national and international efforts aimed at strengthening the maritime sector.

"The current edition of the event is of particular significance, as it coincides with the Year of Zayed, while we celebrate the immortal legacy of our Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his vision to achieve excellence in all fields, especially the maritime sector. The Summit is an important milestone in a series of achievements that Dubai has accomplished as an influential power on the global maritime map, led by the vision and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai."

"The sector is set to contribute progressively to our GDP over the next few years. We are committed to supporting the outcome of the Summit, which has seen in-depth discussions on knowledge, innovation, and smart transformation. They are important in overcoming obstacles and exploring investment opportunities to build a safe, renewable, sustainable and futuristic marine community".