Fujairah: Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, actively engaged in the 13th Energy Markets Forum (EMFWEEK 2025) held in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. This significant event took place under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, on October 1-2. The forum was centered around the theme "How could the Midstream Energy Industry Reimagine Growth in a Disrupted World: Risks and Opportunities?"
According to Bahrain News Agency, the forum is an international gathering that unites energy experts, decision-makers, and investors from across the globe to address pressing issues affecting global energy markets, including current challenges and future opportunities.
In a session focused on maritime navigation leadership, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla highlighted the importance of enhancing international cooperation to tackle rising threats to supply chains and uphold the core principles of international trade. He stressed the significance of leveraging modern technologies such as satellite imagery, AI-based tracking, and data analytics to enhance monitoring of vessels that are suspicious or non-compliant.
He pointed out that enforcing strict sanctions on ships, owners, and operators involved in illegal activities is crucial for maintaining the security and stability of energy markets. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the international community to achieving a secure, stable, and sustainable energy market.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla explained that illegal activities not only jeopardize maritime safety and environmental protection but also pose direct threats to the global economy and financial systems, especially in strategic waterways like the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al Mandab, and the Suez Canal, which are crucial for global trade.
He concluded by stating that bolstering international cooperation and safeguarding vital maritime routes are essential to ensuring energy market stability, preserving the environment, and promoting sustainable development.
The Transportation Minister also attended a main dinner hosted by Sheikh Saleh bin Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Department of Industry and Economy and Chairman of the Port of Fujairah Authority. This event honored leaders in ports and shipping, emphasizing Fujairah's essential role in trade movement and global energy.
During the forum, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla met with Al Sharqi to discuss enhancing integration between Bahrain's Khalifa bin Salman Port and Fujairah Port. They aimed to advance marine and logistics services, support economic sectors, and strengthen commercial partnerships between the two nations. They also emphasized the need to unite efforts to establish both ports as key regional hubs for trade and maritime transport, ensuring sustainable supply chains that support national development plans and enhance the region's competitive role in the global economy.