the UAE has solidified its position as a global maritime powerhouse, ranking among the top 35 countries with the largest maritime fleets by weight and tonnage, according to the 2024 UNCTAD report. This achievement places the UAE alongside other Arab nations like Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar, highlighting the region’s growing influence in the maritime sector.
The Statistical Center for the Gulf Cooperation Council revealed that 10 Gulf container ports were ranked among the world’s 70 moast efficient ports in 2024, out of 405 globally. This underscores the region’s commitment to excellence in maritime operations. The Gulf’s commercial fleet now represents 54.2% of the total Arab fleet, a testament to its dominance in the industry.
Gulf countries have also excelled in connectivity to the regular maritime navigation network,with an index score of 100.5 in 2023, surpassing the Arab average. The region boasts over 25 main sea ports,with two ports—Al-Kabir and eight others—standing out for their high and medium container productivity,respectively. Al-Kabir alone produces over 4 million containers annually, while the others range between 0.5 to 4 million.
The enduring development of the Gulf’s maritime infrastructure has transformed its ports into leading global logistics hubs. “Maritime navigation and Gulf ports play a vital strategic role as one of the main centers for operations of global maritime transport and logistics companies,” the Center emphasized.A key achievement in regional cooperation is the establishment of the Unified Maritime Operations Center, which enhances security and stability by protecting territorial waters and ensuring freedom of navigation. This initiative reflects the GCC’s commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in the maritime sector.
Key Highlights of gulf Maritime achievements
Table of Contents
| metric | 2023/2024 Data |
|————————————-|—————————————-|
| Gulf commercial fleet share | 54.2% of total arab fleet |
| Connectivity index | 100.5 (above Arab average) |
| Number of main Gulf ports | Over 25 |
| High-productivity ports | 2 (e.g., Al-Kabir) |
| Medium-productivity ports | 8 |
The Gulf’s maritime sector continues to thrive, driven by strategic investments and sustainable practices. As the region cements its role as a global logistics hub, its ports and fleets are set to shape the future of international maritime trade.
Gulf Maritime Sector: A Conversation with Expert Dr.Ahmed Al-Mansoori
In this exclusive interview, Dr. Ahmed Al-Mansoori, a leading maritime industry expert, discusses the Gulf region’s rise as a global maritime powerhouse, its achievements, and future prospects.
interview
Senior Editor: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Al-Mansoori.The Gulf region has made remarkable strides in the maritime sector. What, in your opinion, has been the key driver behind this success?
Dr. ahmed Al-mansoori: Thank you for having me. The Gulf’s success can be attributed to strategic investments in infrastructure, a focus on innovation, and strong regional cooperation. Ports like Al-Kabir and others have become symbols of efficiency, handling millions of containers annually. Additionally, initiatives like the Unified Maritime Operations Center have enhanced security and collaboration across GCC nations.
Senior Editor: The recent UNCTAD report highlighted the UAE’s position among the top 35 countries by maritime fleet size. How does this reflect the broader trends in the Gulf?
Dr. Ahmed Al-Mansoori: The UAE’s ranking is a testament to the region’s growing influence.With 54.2% of the total Arab fleet, the Gulf has solidified its dominance. this reflects a broader trend of Gulf nations leveraging their strategic locations to become global logistics hubs. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, and qatar are also making significant contributions, further strengthening the region’s maritime standing.
Senior Editor: The Gulf’s connectivity index score of 100.5 surpassed the Arab average.What does this mean for the region’s role in global trade?
Dr. Ahmed Al-Mansoori: A high connectivity index signifies that the gulf is well-integrated into global maritime networks. This not onyl facilitates smoother trade but also attracts global logistics companies to set up operations in the region. The Gulf is no longer just a regional player—it’s a key node in the global supply chain.
Senior Editor: What challenges do you foresee for the Gulf’s maritime sector, and how can they be addressed?
Dr. Ahmed Al-Mansoori: While the sector is thriving, challenges like environmental sustainability and geopolitical tensions remain. The Gulf must continue investing in green technologies and fostering diplomatic ties to ensure long-term growth.By addressing these issues proactively, the region can maintain its leadership in the maritime industry.
Senior Editor: what’s next for the Gulf’s maritime sector? Any exciting developments on the horizon?
Dr. Ahmed Al-Mansoori: Absolutely. We’re seeing a push towards digitalization and smart ports,which will further enhance efficiency. Additionally, the focus on sustainable practices will ensure the sector’s resilience. I believe the Gulf will continue to shape the future of international maritime trade, setting new benchmarks for excellence.
