UAE - Mubasher: The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has launched the UAE Maritime Cluster to bring together maritime organisations and individuals and promote the UAE's maritime sector globally.

The Cluster will contribute to the ‘Projects of the 50’ initiatives by enabling the Ministry to establish alternative economic components to the oil sector and strengthen the UAE's position as one of the top five global maritime hubs, according to a press release on Wednesday.

The UAE Maritime Cluster will feature a portal with a centralised database of entities in the maritime sector and a network of maritime organisations and professionals, alongside organising several activities and events.

In addition, a central think tank will be introduced to focus on investment opportunities and innovative maritime projects in the maritime sector.

The UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Al Mazrouei, said: "This cluster is one of our key initiatives that will contribute to our preparations for the next 50 years, ensuring the growth of the maritime sector that significantly contributes to the UAE’s GDP. Currently, the sector is estimated at around AED 91 billion annually."

Meanwhile, the Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Hassan Mohammed Juma Al Mansouri, commented: "The time has never been better to launch this mega project, especially after the restructure in government organisations and ministries by the wise leadership to increase efficiency, and unify capabilities based on their specialisations and strategic objectives."