In collaboration with the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi Maritime, part of AD Ports Group, has announced the opening of submissions to the 2026 Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards, set to culminate in a prestigious ceremony during the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show, scheduled to take place from 19–22 November 2026.
Founded in 2023, the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards aim to bring recognition to the vibrant marina industry across the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT region), and to set new benchmarks for excellence in marina management and operations across 12 award categories. Submissions for the fourth edition are open to all licensed marina owners and operators across the MENAT region.
Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said: “The Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards support the Integrated Transport Centre’s vision to deliver world-class, sustainable infrastructure that enables mobility and drives economic growth. The fourth edition reflects our continued confidence in the strength, competitiveness, and future potential of the regional marina industry, while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s standing as a leading global maritime hub. Through this awards programme, we aim to foster the innovation and collaboration that will motivate progress across the industry.”
Captain Saif Al Mheiri, Abu Dhabi Maritime CEO and Group Chief Sustainability and Risk Officer at AD Ports Group, said: “The Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards continue to serve as a powerful platform for recognising excellence and driving progress across the marina ecosystem in the MENAT region. By celebrating organisations, projects, and individuals, the awards highlight the collective efforts shaping a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable maritime sector. At AD Ports Group and Abu Dhabi Maritime, we remain committed to enabling this growth and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position at the forefront of global maritime development.”
The fourth annual edition of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards consists of organisation, project, and individual-based categories – a holistic approach that recognises the institutions, initiatives, and people shaping the regional industry. Five core organisation-based categories recognise achievements in “Customer Experience,” “Employer Excellence,” “Health & Safety,” “Innovation,” and “Sustainability.”
The top “Outstanding Marina Award” is presented to the marina that demonstrates excellence across all five organisation-based categories. Marinas that apply to the Outstanding Marina Award are automatically entered into the five core organisation-based categories. The winner of this top accolade will not be eligible to win other organisation-based categories to ensure equitable opportunity for all participating marinas. Three project-based categories reward targeted initiatives.
The “Sustainability Project,” “Innovation Project,” and “Wellbeing Project” Awards celebrate successful standalone projects rather than overall organisational performance. The three individual-based categories – the “Outstanding Leader Award,” “Outstanding Service Hero Award,” and “Rising Star Award” – honour the people who inspire their colleagues, customers, and communities through remarkable performance and meaningful contributions.
Finally, the 2026 programme will include the returning “Most Popular Marina” recognition, determined by public vote via a secure online portal opening in October. Marinas and individuals are invited to apply now by creating a profile on the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards website. More information on the awards programme, criteria, and application and assessment processes is also available on the website and through its applicant portal.
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