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 opened submissions for the 2026 Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards. The programme willculminate in an awards ceremony during the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show, taking place from 19 to 22 November 2026.
Established in 2023, the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards aim to recognise excellence across the vibrant marina industry across the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT region), and establish 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, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime 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-based, project-based, and individual-based categories, providing 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 flagship Outstanding Marina Award is presented to the marina that demonstrates excellence across all five organisation-based categories.
Marinas that apply for the Outstanding Marina Award are automatically entered into the five core organisation-based categories. To ensure equitable opportunities for all participating marinas, the winner of this top accolade will not be eligible to win any other organisation-based category.
Three project-based categories recognise targeted initiatives. The Sustainability Project Award, Innovation Project, and Wellbeing Project Award 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 individuals who inspire their colleagues, customers, and communities through remarkable performance and meaningful contributions.
The 2026 programme will also include the returning Most Popular Marina recognition, determined by a public vote conducted through a secure online portal that will open in October.
Marinas and individuals are invited to apply by creating a profile on the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards website.
