Marinas and maritime professionals across the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) were recognised for their contributions to the sector at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards. The event, held on 20 November during the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show, acknowledged achievements across organisational, individual and project-based categories.
The 2025 edition used an artificial intelligence agent to support the online submission and assessment process. The AI organised submission data and highlighted potential strengths and weaknesses, while a panel of 13 assessors from 12 countries reviewed the entries, drawing on expertise in quality management, marketing, sustainable development and customer experience.
Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) said: “The Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards continue to reflect our dedication to advancing the maritime sector through collaboration, innovation and excellence. By recognising outstanding contributions from across the MENAT region, we not only celebrate achievements but also foster a culture of continuous improvement.”
Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Chief Sustainability Officer at AD Ports Group, added: “More than a celebration, the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards are a catalyst for progress in the marina industry. Each year, we witness advancements in innovation, safety and sustainability, driven by individuals and organisations.”
The winners of the 2025 awards are as follows:
Organisation categories
- Outstanding Marina Award: Gold - Dubai Harbour | Silver - D-Marin Didim, Türkiye
- Outstanding Emerging Marina Award: Gold - D-Marin Marsa Al Arab, Dubai | Silver - Emirates Palace Marina, Abu Dhabi
- Customer Experience Award: Gold - D-Marin Didim, Türkiye | Silver - D-Marin Göcek, Türkiye
- Employer Excellence Award: Gold - Palm Jumeirah Marina, UAE | Silver - Bulgari Marina, Dubai
- Health & Safety Award: Gold - Emirates Palace Marina, Abu Dhabi | Silver - D-Marin Turgutreis, Türkiye
- Innovation Award: Gold - D-Marin Göcek, Türkiye | Silver - Palm Jumeirah Marina, UAE
- Sustainability Award: Gold - D-Marin Turgutreis, Türkiye | Silver - The Pearl Island Marina, Qatar
- Most Popular Marina Recognition: Gold - The Pearl Island Marina, Qatar | Silver - Bulgari Marina, Dubai
Individual Categories
- Outstanding Leader Award: Gold - Wayne Shepherd, Dubai Harbour | Silver - Adel Maani, Ayla Marina
- Outstanding Service Hero Award: Gold - Sara Abdelaziz, Aldar Marinas | Silver - Charles Mayanja, Emirates Palace Marina
- Rising Star Award: Gold - Hassan Ahmad, Jeddah Yacht Club | Silver - Sherzodbek Ganiev, Palm Jumeirah Marina
Project Categories
- Innovation Project Award: Dubai Harbour
- Sustainability Project Award: Dubai Islands Marina
The fourth edition of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards is scheduled for autumn 2026. Abu Dhabi Maritime, as part of AD Ports Group, works with ITC to manage the emirate’s waterways and support the development of Abu Dhabi’s maritime sector.
