The Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, Abu Dhabi Ports’ education arm has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Association of Freight and Logistics – NAFL, to develop academic and educational collaborations on the basis of equality and reciprocity, and to promote relations and mutual understanding between both organizations.

The MoU was signed by Captain Maktoum Al Hoqani, Chief Corporate Authority Officer, Abu Dhabi Ports, Managing Director at Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, and Nadia Abdul Aziz, President, National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL).

Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy & National Association of Freight and Logistics will collaborate in promoting and developing academic collaborations, mainly conducting courses of mutual interests, (International FIATA Diploma Course, Professional Courses in Freight & Logistics , Awareness Programmes, etc..).

“This collaboration comes in parallel with both parties, ADMA & NAFL common interest in promoting the mutual collaboration in the area of education, training and research”, said Captain Maktoum Al Hoqani, Managing Director at Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy. “ADMA is now venturing in to the complete range of commercial courses for the U.A.E Shipping & Logistics industry as well as the Marine Surveyors and Insurance industry.”

Nadia Abdul Aziz, President, National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL), said: This MoU, strengthens our efforts to raise the freight and logistics industry standards in the UAE and be the preeminent choice as an association of freight.

ADMA Offers Courses that are locally and internationally approved by UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), UAE Federal Transport Authority (FTA), International Association Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), and Lloyd’s Register.

The Academy is the first approved centre by IALA, to conduct Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), and Aids to Navigation (AtoN) Courses in the region and also deliver

International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Model Courses, all of which meet the requirements of the latest edition of Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping (STCW) for seafarers.
In addition, the UK’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has accredited the ECDIS and Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) courses, as well as the associated certificates, which make it the first training centre in the region to offer such courses with worldwide recognition.

Participants concluded the MoU ceremony by visiting the headquarters of Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy in Mussafah.

About Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy (ADMA)

Since its establishment in 2006, Abu Dhabi Ports has been aligning itself with the economic plans and directives of Abu Dhabi Government’s 2030 Economic Vision.
ADMA has a holistic approach to the maritime sector and realise that it’s not just about TEUs. ADMA recognizes the need to promote maritime training and awareness in the UAE and the region; hence works tirelessly since 2012 to develop programmes for the cause.
Being in a specialized industry, and as such, it is imperative for us to acknowledge the need to build the next-generation of mariners and future leaders to join the regional maritime industry.
This led to Abu Dhabi Ports establishing the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy – to contribute to the knowledge economy and position itself as leading maritime education and maritime training provider in the UAE and the region.

About National Association of Freight & Logistics (NAFL)

The National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL) was founded in Dubai in February 1992 as mandated by the Government of Dubai to respond to the need to bring together the increasing number of freight and logistics service providers in the UAE. NAFL, previously named National Committee of Freight Forwarders (NCFF), is the first national association of freight forwarders to be established in the Arabian Gulf.
Shortly after its establishment, on March 31, 1992, NAFL achieved another feat by becoming the first and only national association from an Arabian Gulf country to join the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA). Since then, NAFL has been a staunch supporter of FIATA.

The NAFL Training Institute was launched in 1995 and from then on has continuously provided programs that aim to increase industry knowledge and skills of the members; expand the horizons of human intellect and overall personality of the training participants; help improve the quality of work and work-life, and most importantly, help increase the productivity of the members that help their organization further to achieve their business goals.
Hand in hand with FIATA, NAFL advocates international logistics-centred conferences for their learning and networking opportunities. NAFL, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, has hosted the FIATA World Congress twice, in 1999 and 2007. This growth signified the important role of the NAFL to spearhead relevant training programs, which are crucial in the development of a corporation, as well as the industry.
To date, by largely focusing on ensuring the UAE’s leading position in the international transport and logistics arena, NAFL’s members not only their places as the major players in the UAE’s freight and logistics field, but also as foremost facilitators of other fast-growing industries.