Two of the fastest growing maritime clusters in the world gathered in Dubai for high-level discussions during UAE Maritime Week, which includes the Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East exhibition and conference running until May 8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The event’s theme, “Cooperation and Inclusiveness: Pioneering a New Era in Shipping,” featured representatives from the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission, along with senior executives from organizations such as DP World GCC, CCS UAE, SIPG Energy, IEC Telecom Group, and UAE BluePass.

Yu Fulin, Secretary General of the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Committee, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the strong connection between Shanghai and Dubai despite their geographic distance. He noted that recent economic and trade cooperation between the two cities has shown significant growth, with China’s direct investment in Dubai reaching US$3.42 billion in 2024, a 200% increase from the previous year, and the number of projects rising from 37 to 60.

Mr. Fulin mentioned that in February of this year, Shanghai and Abu Dhabi signed a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing relations in trade, investment, finance, and technological innovation. He urged both cities to work together to face challenges and seize opportunities in the evolving landscape of green transformation and digital innovation in the shipping industry.

He highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional exchanges and discussions between the two cities, suggesting enhanced policy coordination in shipping between free trade pilot zones in Northeast Asia and the Middle East Gulf region. Fulin also proposed including key port and shipping projects within the framework of the “Belt and Road Initiative” and exploring cross-border RMB settlement innovations.

Looking forward, Fulin expressed hopes for urban cooperation on green and digital shipping corridors. He mentioned plans for point-to-point demonstration cooperation, mutual recognition of blockchain electronic bills of lading, and the establishment of a joint innovation laboratory focusing on smart cities and green fuel ships.

His Excellency Zhang Yiming, Ambassador of China to the UAE, also addressed the audience, underscoring the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the UAE. He noted the significant results achieved in shipping, ports, and logistics under the “Belt and Road Initiative.”

Zhang highlighted the COSCO SHIPPING Ports Abu Dhabi Terminal as a successful example, reporting that its throughput reached 1.845 million TEUs in 2024, marking a 36% increase year-on-year. He predicted that bilateral trade between China and the UAE will surpass US$100 billion in 2024, with over 90% of goods transported by sea.

The day’s discussions concluded with a panel on Smart Digital Transformation, featuring industry leaders from CCS UAE, SIPG Energy, IEC Telecom Group, and BluePass.

The UAE Maritime Week, which is held under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, expects more than 7 000 maritime professionals to attend. The event features over 150 speakers participating in a free-to-attend conference at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 6 to 8, in partnership with DP World and supported by various maritime organizations.

Media interested in attending Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East 2025 are encouraged to pre-register for a press pass via the provided link.