Abu Dhabi Maritime, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, has announced the return of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards to take place on 20 November 2025, at the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show, with new additions to the categories for both project and individual-based achievements.
Hosted in collaboration with the Integrated Transport Centre, part of the Abu Dhabi Municipalities and Transport, the third iteration of the ceremony continues to highlight and recognize excellence in marina management and operations through the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkiye (MENAT).
Submissions are now open to licensed marina owners and operators in the MENAT region.
In addition to last year’s categories (Outstanding Marina, Most Popular Marina, Customer Experience, Employer Excellence, Health and Safety, Innovation and Sustainability), the awards body has introduced an additional seven categories.
“Outstanding Emerging Marina,” billed as the programme’s second most coveted prize, is created for small and medium facilities that accommodate 200 or fewer berths. The category shares the same criteria as the “Outstanding Marina” award.
The inaugural project-based awards, “sustainability project,” “Innovation Project,” and “Wellbeing Project,” give the chance for marinas to exhibit a “standout programme or initiative,” under the most impactful marina category.
As for the individual-based awards, “Outstanding Leader Award,” “Outstanding Service Hero Award,” and “Rising Star Award”, the category looks to honour managers and workers who have made a difference in the regional marina industry.
“We had a tremendous response to the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards last year, with triple the number of submissions we received in the programme’s first edition. With this expansion to 13 total awards categories and one special recognition, we hope to bring even more global attention to the exciting work and ideas across the regional marina industry. We look forward to seeing participating marinas’ achievements this year and to sharing them with the world,” said Capt. Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Chief Sustainability Officer at AD Ports Group.
RELATED: UAE, Jordan & Turkey Marinas Receive Top Honours at Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards
At last year’s edition of the ceremony, held on November 3rd, the programme received 120 submissions from across eight countries. Turkiye’s D-Marin would ultimately emerge victorious, receiving all three honours in the “Outstanding Marina Category,” while Jordan’s Ayla Marina would win in the public-voted Most Popular Marina Award.
“The launch of the third edition of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards represents a significant milestone in our efforts to establish an integrated framework that enhances marina operations and encourages the adoption of best practices across this vital sector. Through this collaboration, the Integrated Transport Centre reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives that align with Abu Dhabi’s urban development and economic diversification goals, while advancing the quality of maritime services in line with the emirate’s vision for a modern and sustainable infrastructure. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with partners to further elevate the maritime sector,” said Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli.
Submissions close on August 31 and can be made through the official website.