National Maritime Navigation Center to boost UAE’s global leadership

The UAE is taking a major step to strengthen its position as a global leader in the maritime sector with the establishment of the National Maritime Navigation Center, recently approved by the UAE Cabinet.

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said the decision reflects the UAE’s long-term vision to build a strong, smart, and sustainable maritime ecosystem. “This center is a key part of the country’s efforts to develop its maritime infrastructure and reinforce the UAE’s role as an international maritime hub,” he explained.

The National Maritime Navigation Center, which will be managed by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, will play a central role in overseeing the country’s Integrated National Maritime System for tracking and managing sea traffic. It will also handle the National Maritime Single Window, which will simplify and speed up maritime operations.

Al Mazrouei emphasized that the center will bring together all key players in the maritime sector to improve coordination, protect the country’s waters, and strengthen the sector’s contribution to the UAE’s economy.

He thanked all the teams and partners who supported the creation of the center, saying their hard work and cooperation reflect the spirit of unity that drives the UAE’s success.

Al Mazrouei added:

“The center is an important step to make our seas safer, fight harmful activities, and encourage research that helps guide future policies and decisions. It will improve teamwork across the sector, align national policies, and make sure we meet the highest international safety standards. It will also cut red tape, increase efficiency, and help train the next generation of Emirati maritime experts.”

He stressed that this decision shows the UAE’s leadership is committed to building excellence through careful planning and future-ready solutions. The center, he said, will help improve the quality of maritime services while supporting environmental sustainability.

Eng. Hassan Al Mansouri, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry, said the center will also help shape the UAE’s maritime policies to match the world’s best practices. It will use smart tracking systems and advanced planning tools to boost the UAE’s global leadership in sea navigation.

“The UAE has some of the best maritime infrastructure in the world and sits at a vital crossroads of global trade routes,” Al Mansouri said. “This center will help the country play an even bigger role in supporting supply chains, growing international trade, and preparing a new generation of skilled Emiratis to lead the sector toward a more sustainable future.”