Abu Dhabi, UAE –18 February, 2018: Abu Dhabi Ports announced the launch of the first Port Digital Innovation Lab, as part of its commitment to innovation, through providing a platform for creative minds in the UAE to develop innovative solutions and technological applications to meet trade and industry needs.

The lab is located at Maqta Gateway, an Abu Dhabi Ports subsidiary, the developer and operator of the first port community system in the emirate. Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO Abu Dhabi Ports officially launched the lab during the third annual stakeholder forum. Commenting on the occasion, Captain Al Shamisi said: “The launch of the first Port Digital Innovation Lab in the region marks another significant milestone in Abu Dhabi Ports dedication to investing in cutting-edge technological innovations and skills. On the behalf of Abu Dhabi Ports, I would like to thank all our partners who have worked closely with us and played an integral role in making this project a success.”

Dr. Noura Al Dhaheri, General Manager of Maqta Gateway, said: “Innovation lies at the heart of Abu Dhabi Ports. We are delighted to announce, here, during UAE Innovation Month, the launch of the Port Digital Innovation Lab – the next step in digitalizing trade.” “This is the first Port Digital Innovation Lab in the Middle East and it promises to fulfil the need for studying emerging technologies and developing new solutions by young, inspired creators and innovators that can then be practically applied to real-life trade and market situations. Let us today celebrate this journey of innovation – and a shining horizon of opportunities,” she added.

Abu Dhabi Port’s annual Partners Forum serves as an interactive occasion that aligns with the company strategy to strengthens partner relationships. This year’s theme was ‘Innovating together for a brighter future’ with a focus on exploring local and international innovation trends and disruptive technologies that are shaping the industry’s future. In addition, Abu Dhabi Ports also revealed its long-term innovation strategy to its stakeholders.

The strategy will focus on development of initiatives around four key themes; smart technology, Ports-Emirates duality, future trade and logistics and space logistics. Maqta Gateway, inaugurated in October 2017, is a transformational project that has set out to re-define Abu Dhabi’s trade services, processes and information exchange through a unified interface that connects various trade customers, including shipping agents, traders, custom brokers, freight forwarders and clearing agents, with entities integrated within the system locally and internationally.