Serving The Maritime Industry with Purpose
An industry connected by the sea, the Emirates Shipping Association connects maritime stakeholders together, bringing a global perspective to the regional maritime industry. From issues of safety to sustainability, to embracing new platforms and innovations, the Association offers our members a shared voice to shape the future of the industry.
About the Association
An NGO committed to being the overarching body in bringing together different stakeholders within the maritime ecosystem. It is paramount for the association to make an impact with the support of its engaged members.
Founded in 2004 as the UAE Shipping Association and officially incorporated in 2005, the Association was created to give a voice to maritime stakeholders in the UAE, and tasked with the mandate to address issues, share ideas and promote the UAE as a global maritime hub.
In 2019, the Association was formally established through the Ministry of Community Development, appointing a board of directors, and becoming a member of the International Chamber of Shipping. In 2022, the UAE Shipping Association was reimagined and rebranded to following a revival and intensification effort to become the Emirates Shipping Association, trading under its new name of ‘7Emirates’.
Until today, the Association continues a proud legacy of being wholly member-owned, ensuring transparency and operational integrity across a supportive and engaged membership of over 40 member organizations.
Partnering with local and international government partners, standards institutes and maritime bodies, the Emirates Shipping Association serves as the focal point of the maritime industry. For members, the Association provides industry insights, and serves as a unified voice for the industry at large.
2004
The Journey
Begins
Founded in 2004, with official incorporation in 2005, the UAE Shipping Association is created to bring maritime stakeholders together and give them a voice in the UAE.
40+
Members own the association. Transparency and operational integrity is paramount to keeping the members supportive and engaged.
Provides members with a comprehensive list of what’s happening and sponsorship offers.
2007 – 2018
Growth
The Association conducts an annual AGM, with a steadily growing membership across the maritime sector from port operators to vessel owners and marine fuel suppliers.
42+
Members own the association. Transparency and operational integrity is paramount to keeping the members supportive and engaged.
2019
Established through MOCD
The Association formally established as an association establishment through the Ministry of Community Development, recognising the impact of the maratime sector on the community.
43+
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Provides members with a comprehensive list of what’s happening and sponsorship offers.
2021
Appointing Directors
Following a revitalisation effort, the Association appoints a Board of Directors representing public and private sector stakeholders across the industry.
44+
Members own the association. Transparency and operational integrity is paramount to keeping the members supportive and engaged.
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2021
A Milestone Achievement
Marking a milestone in the UAE maritime industry, the UAE Shipping Association becomes a full member of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).
45+
Members own the association. Transparency and operational integrity is paramount to keeping the members supportive and engaged.
Provides members with a comprehensive list of what’s happening and sponsorship offers.
2022
UAESA Rebrands to 7Emirates
Following an intensive revival effort, the UAE Shipping Association is reimagined and rebranded to the Emirates Shipping Association, trading under the new name ‘7 Emirates’.
46+
Members own the association. Transparency and operational integrity is paramount to keeping the members supportive and engaged.
Provides members with a comprehensive list of what’s happening and sponsorship offers.
- 2004
- 2007
- 2019
- 2021
- 2022
The Timeline of 7 Emirates
Leadership
Abdulkareem Almessabi
Chairman
CEO, ADNOC Logistics and Services
A master mariner, Capt. Abdulkareem has leadership experience within the maritime industry. Today, he leads ADNOC Logistics & Services.
Salah Sharaf
Vice Chairman
Director General, Sharaf Group
Over a 21 year career, Mr. Sharaf is Executive Director of the Sharaf Group, one of the largest and most diverse business conglomerates in the Middle East.
Anders Østergaard
Secretary General
CEO, Monjasa Group
With a career in shipping since 2000, Østergaard serves as Group CEO, Member of the Board and 100% owner of the Monjasa Group, consisting of over 30 companies.
Capt. Rishi Nyati
Treasurer
Managing Director, Emarat Maritime
A 23 year career spanning maritime management and operations in North America and Asia, Capt. Rishi Nyati joined Emarat Maritime as Managing Director in 2022.
Dr. Waddah Al Hashmi
Board Member
Sr. Director – Logistics and Marine Assurance, ENOC
With 25 years of experience in energy and consulting with expertise in environmental engineering, Dr. Hashmi is currently serving as Senior Director at Emirates National Oil Company and sitting on multiple industry boards.
Shamis Aldhaheri
Board Member
Group CEO, Ali & Sons
Currently leads strategic growth across automotive, real estate, oil & gas, and construction sectors at Ali & Sons Group. Aldhaheri is recognised for strategic leadership, operational expertise, and team building.
Martin Helweg
Board Member
CEO, P&O Maritime Logistics
With over two decades of global experience in the maritime sector, Helweg’s expertise lies in managing complex operations in offshore energy, port services, and short-sea transport.
Huma Qureshi
General Manager
Emirates Shipping Association
Qureshi brings over 15 years of regional experience in creating social impact across private, government and non-governmental organizations.
Governance is Key
Incorporated through the Ministry of Community Development, the mandate of the Emirates Shipping Association is to follow global maritime best practices under the local laws and policies as outlined by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Dubai Maritime City Authority.
The Association is a proud member of the International Chamber of Shipping and we work in tandem to share knowledge and insights, and develop best practices in the maritime sector.
The Emirates Shipping Association is registered under Federal Law No. 2/2008 Concerning Public Benefit Associations and Civil Society Organisations.
