Page 8 - TMS Flagship PR Report - July 2025

Charting the future of maritime

excellence: The TMS awards and

Middle East’s maritime transformation

The maritime industry in the Middle East is undergoing a dynamic transformation
Published: Tue 15 Jul 2025, 10:56 PM
By: Khaleej Times Staff

The maritime industry in the Middle East is undergoing a dynamic transformation,
powered by smart port technologies, sustainable fuels, and digital innovation.
Leading this shift is the UAE, with significant investments in LNG-powered vessels,
AI-driven operations, and major port infrastructure projects strengthening its role in
global trade. Recent market research shows that the Middle East & Africa maritime
analytics market, valued at $34.68 million in 2023, is projected to reach $48.57
million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7.0 per cent. Amid this momentum,
companies are seeking to connect, expand, and gain recognition.

One standout platform that has enabled these ambitions is The Maritime Standard
(TMS) Awards. Since its inception in 2014, these awards have emerged as a premier
platform for celebrating excellence and innovation. Now in its second decade, the
event continues to bring together global maritime leaders and innovators in Dubai,
serving as a catalyst for collaboration and offering unique opportunities to engage
with regional players and explore the advanced capabilities of the UAE, the wider
GCC, and the Indian Subcontinent.

What began as an event hosting just around 500 guests has grown significantly, with
its 11th edition last year witnessing over 1200 attendees. A notable milestone in the
Awards’ history came in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when
the event was successfully hosted on an international scale. Despite global
challenges, the event brought together various sectors, trades, and regions by
collaborating closely with the authorities, including the Dubai World Trade Centre

khaleejtimes.com