According to the reports of Xinhua Silk Road Dubai on February 14 (Reporter Zhao Danliang) - the China  Classification Society UAE Committee 2025 Annual   Conference was held in Dubai on February 13. About 70 representatives from the UAE government, international   marine companies, and industry organizations attended the conference to jointly explore the future development direction of the shipping industry.

Zhang Yiming (middle front row), Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, takes a photo with the attending guests (photo by Wen Xinnian, a reporter from Xinhua News Agency)

During his speech, Zhang Yiming, Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, emphasized that the UAE is an international shipping hub and a comprehensive strategic partner of China. In recent years, China-Arab relations have maintained a good momentum of development, with practical and deepened cooperation in various fields including transportation, setting a model for the relationship between China and Arab countries in the new era. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Arab countries last year, the two sides signed a cooperation document on mutual recognition of seafarer certificates, further consolidating the foundation of cooperation between the two   countries in the field of shipping.

He pointed out that China Classification Society (CCS), as the authoritative organization for ship survey and certification in China, has long provided high-quality technical services and won wide recognition from the shipping industry in the UAE and the Middle East. CCS Dubai Branch has developed rapidly in recent years, with business volume and revenue repeatedly hitting new highs, and it has established offices in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc. to expand its business territory. Recently, CCS Dubai Branch was awarded the “Annual Ship Safety Excellence Award” at the ShipTek International Maritime Conference, fully demonstrating its technological strength and industry influence. There are broad cooperation prospects between China and Arab countries in the field of shipping, and he hoped that CCS could further expand its business in the UAE and the Middle East, and contribute to the development of green and intelligent shipping.

Abdullah Hayes, Director General of the UAE Maritime Authority is delivering a speech(photo by Wen Xinnian, a reporter from Xinhua News Agency)

Abdullah Hayes, Director General of the UAE Maritime Authority, stated that the UAE is committed to promoting the sustainable development of the shipping industry, actively applying advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, etc. to enhance industry efficiency and environmental protection level. CCS has played a positive role in promoting green and low-carbon shipping and intelligent transformation. The UAE is willing to deepen cooperation with CCS to jointly promote the high-quality development of the international shipping industry.

CCS Vice President Zhao Yan said that the UAE has become an important hub of the global shipping industry with its superior geographical location and efficient shipping system. He promised that CCS will continue to deeply cultivate the UAE market, and be committed to providing more professional and high-quality services, and promoting the development of cutting-edge technologies including green energy, alternative fuels, smart ships, etc.

Salah Sarraf, Chairman of the UAE Committee of CCS, said that CCS has a long history of cooperation with UAE in the shipping industry, and in the future, CCS will continue to strengthen technical exchanges in green shipping, digital transformation, etc. to facilitate industry innovation and upgrading. Currently, the global shipping industry is facing the trend of green, low-carbon, and intelligent development. As an important platform for cooperation between the two sides, the UAE Committee of CCS will be committed to promoting China-Arab marine cooperation to a new level.