UAE trying novel ways to spread maritime industry awareness

Speaking at Seatrade Maritime Middle East in December 2021, HE Eng Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport, Affairs, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure said she recognised the power of social media when it comes to attracting talent to the industry.

“One of my biggest role is to educate people about maritime and try to distribute the knowledge of the maritime sector in society so we'll attract more people,” said HE Al Malek.

“That's why I even a good relation with some influencers. I want them to talk more about the sector. That's why when we won the IMO election last week, everybody knows about it because I have an influencer group talking about it; I know the power of social media.”

HE Al Malek is also working with companies to create family games with maritime themes to encourage curiosity about the industry in children by familiarising them with maritime images and information.

As well as promoting maritime careers, HE Al Malek said the UAE had been working to protect seafarers and maritime workers during the pandemic. UAE ministries consider seafarers key workers and have given necessary support including health support and the distribution of vaccines. “We were the first country worldwide we have a protocol to change crews on the during the pandemic,” said HE Al Malek.

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