High-Level Participation of the Arab Women in Maritime Association at MARLOG 2026

Monday, 09 February 2026

The International Maritime Transport and Logistics Conference (MARLOG 15), held in Alexandria from 8 to 10 February 2026 at Hilton Green Plaza Hotel, witnessed extensive participation from ministers, senior officials, decision-makers, and experts from around the world. The event aimed to support the development of maritime transport and logistics systems in the region, enhance regional and international cooperation, and keep pace with the rapid transformations in global supply chains and the blue economy.
MARLOG is considered one of the most prominent international maritime events specializing in maritime transport, ports, logistics services, digital transformation, and environmental sustainability. This year’s edition focused on strengthening regional integration, supporting technological innovation in the maritime industry, and building international partnerships that contribute to sustainable development.
High-Level Ministerial and International Leadership
Delegations were led by distinguished officials, including:

  • •    H.E. Eng. Kamel El-Wazir – Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport of the Arab Republic of Egypt. 
  • •    H.E. Marina Hadjimanolis – Deputy Minister of Shipping of the Republic of Cyprus and President of the Council of the European Union in its current term. 
  • •    H.E. Prof. Nidal M. Al-Qatameen – Minister of Transport of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Chairman of the General Assembly of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport. 

Prominent Maritime and Institutional Leaders
The conference also featured participation from key leaders, including:

  • •    Prof. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag – President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport and Conference Chairman. 
  • •    Dr. Akram Soliman El-Salmi – Chairman of the MARLOG 15 Organizing Committee, who played a pivotal role in strategic planning, execution, and coordination of scientific sessions and specialized workshops. 
  • •    Admiral Osama Rabie – Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority. 
  • •    Major General Ahmed Khaled Saeed – Governor of Alexandria. 

Several influential maritime leaders also participated, including:

  • •    Prof. Khaled Al-Zaabi – Director General of Ports and Maritime Transport, Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, UAE. 
  • •    Mr. Jalal Shokrallah – Director General of Maritime Navigation and Hydrographic Affairs, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Lebanon. 
  • •    Mr. Mazen Hujairat – CEO of the National Maritime Agency, Kuwait. 
  • •    Dr. Ahmed Tamer – Director General of Land and Maritime Transport, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Lebanon, and Director of Tripoli Port. 
  • •    Eng. Gilani Mohamed Gilani – Director General of Sudan Sea Ports Authority. 
  • •    Eng. Omar Al-Dabbas – Director General of the Jordan Maritime Authority. 
  • •    H.E. Eng. Hessa Ahmed Hamdan Al Malek – Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and former President of AWIMA. 

Active Participation of AWIMA
Within this context, the Arab Women in Maritime Association (AWIMA) had a distinguished presence, represented by:

  • •    Ms. Shireene Galal – Director of the General Secretariat of AWIMA. 
  • •    Ms. Marwa Hafez – President of the Egyptian National Chapter of AWIMA. 

Scientific and Technological Program Enhancing International Partnerships
The conference program included the opening of the International Maritime Technology Exhibition (MarTech 2026), alongside specialized sessions, technical workshops, and networking meetings that brought together government leaders, international organizations, private sector representatives, and experts. These activities contributed to strengthening partnerships and exchanging best practices in maritime transport, logistics, digital transformation, and environmental sustainability.
Supporting Women Empowerment in the Maritime Sector
AWIMA leadership emphasized the importance of enhancing Arab and international cooperation to support and empower women in the maritime and logistics sectors, facilitate knowledge exchange, and create new opportunities for women’s participation across maritime disciplines. This aligns with global developments and contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals while building a more inclusive and sustainable future for the maritime industry.
This active participation reflects the advanced position achieved by Arab women in the maritime sector and highlights their vital role in strengthening institutional presence on major international maritime platforms, contributing to the development of maritime transport and logistics systems both regionally and globally.