Michael is a Partner at Watson Farley and Williams and Head of the Assets and Structured Finance group in the firm's Dubai office. Michael specializes in cross-border asset and project finance transactions across various sectors, with a particular focus on the maritime industry. He advises financiers, owners, and operators on a wide range of domestic and international asset and structured finance products including debt and equity financing and leasing, as well as on restructurings and workouts. Michael also provides regulatory and enforcement advice across WFW’s core sectors of Transport and Energy. On the maritime side in particular, Michael also represents shipping companies in relation to non-contentious commercial shipping matters, including sale and purchase, newbuilding contracts, charters, and other contracts of employment for ships, shipping-related assets, and offshore assets. Michael is recommended as an expert UAE-based finance lawyer by the leading legal directory Legal 500 EMEA and is recognized as a ranked lawyer in Chambers and Partners Global Guide for Shipping Finance and Non-Contentious matters. Michael has also been commended by Seatrade Maritime Middle East as one of their "20 Under 40" Leaders of Tomorrow.

Nicolai is a recognized thought leader and turnaround strategist from within the maritime sector starting as a deckhand onboard fishing vessels in New Zealand to becoming CEO’s of some of the biggest infrastructure and maritime providers in the world.

Nicolai brings a depth of experience and a track record of a deep servant leadership style across blue companies and from multiple C-suite roles.

Nicolai is currently serving as the CEO at Adani Ports and Harbour Services International here in Dubai, a brand under the Indian conglomerate Adani group. A company with international ambitions to become one of the biggest marine and shipping company in the world.

Prior to joining Adani, Nicolai served as CEO for Africa, Middle East & Asia at Svitzer. A Company under the Maersk brand

Nicolai is most proud of having been an advocate and momentum creator for diversity and inclusion initiatives at sea.

Nicolai holds an MBA from Henley Business School.

Ramee is a very dedicated and had working maritime professional who started his journey in the maritime industry in 2009 serving a large FSO conversion project in the Dubai dry-docks. He joined Seamaster Maritime L.L.C. in 2010, learning the ins and outs of the maritime industry, rapidly gained knowledge and helped expand the group by opening the office in Sohar – Oman, making it the first office outside of the UAE. With the experiences gained, he took over the reins of the family group in 2018, and has since then continuously improved and elevated the company’s profile and international recognition. Investments in the company is still at the forefront, with the current aim to digitalize the company with new systems and work methods, bringing it into a new age.

Effat Mostafa is currently the Founder and General Manager of SeaScope MENA, the first integraed hub for maritime PR and Business Excellence in MENA. Mostafa worked as Executive Director at Tactics Creative Communication and the Managing Editor for Marasi News, the award winner Maritime Media Platform for “Best Maritime Media” from ShipTek Awards.

Effat has more than 14 years of experience in different media fields such as PR, Publishing, Event Management, Reporting and TV Script Writing. Effat’s published articles have been anthologized in different books and journal essays such as “Issues in Comparative Politics” that was published in USA by Todd Landman. Effat is also a contributing writer in several UAE newspapers such as Gulf Today.

Effat has a special passion for the maritime sector and is proud to be the youngest Arab Journalist who successfully published more than 500 articles 36 business studies and covering different fields within the maritime sector. Mostafa has been the first professional to introduce "Maritime PR & Business Exellence" field in the MENA with successful collaboration between private and government sector through many initiatives such as "Maritime Leaders Roundtable" which created the first of its kind direct dialogue between private and government parties.

Nooshin Rahmani is the Managing Director of Ruby International Maritime and Legal Consultancy. She is a highly accomplished lawyer with over a decade of experience and an exemplary track record of delivering excellence, working with clients within the maritime, shipping, and energy industries. Nooshin has extensive experience in handling complex disputes and advises a broad variety of national and international clients, including government and private sectors. She provides broad global counsel to energy leaders and successfully led negotiations and drafting of suppliers and strategic partnership agreements, including agreements between international private individuals and government entities. She possesses wide knowledge in diverse legal domains, including legal and business consultancy for maritime and energy projects, commercial agreements, banking issues, corporate investment, and financial consulting. Her main expertise is in ship financing and investment in energy projects.

Nooshin often participates in webinars, conferences, and publications, showcasing her expertise in legal, dispute resolution, business advisory, and key issues on enforcement of contracts.

Ms. Akanksha Batura Pai is a prominent leader in the maritime industry, serving as the Executive Director at Sinoda Shipping Agency and Strategy Head at RAKS International Pte Ltd and TransAsia Marine Services Pte Ltd. She drives strategic partnerships, growth initiatives, and digital transformation across these companies, contributing to operational efficiency. Her work has been recognized as industry-leading and was featured by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Info-communications Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA). More details on this can be found here.

Ms. Batura Pai is also the Director of SeaMind Blue Ocean Pte Ltd, where she collaborates with a global board to advance decarbonization in maritime and agribusiness. As a UN International Maritime Organisation Goodwill Maritime Ambassador for Singapore, she actively promotes the maritime industry, frequently speaking at events in Singapore and internationally, including the 2024 Women in Maritime Administration at Korea Maritime Week and the Shenzhen Global Marine Economy Forum.

In addition, she serves as the Vice-Chairperson of the International Committee at the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), is an SSA Council Member, a Global Ambassador for Mission To Seafarers (MTS), and holds positions on multiple committees, including the Nautical Institute (Singapore) and the Maritime Business Society (MBS) Board of Advisors. As the Liaison Officer at the Hon. Consulate-General of Malta to Singapore, she fosters diplomatic relations between Singapore and Malta.

Ms. Batura Pai has been honored with awards such as CEMS Alumni of the Year 2021, NUS Outstanding Young Alumni 2023, MCC Woman Achiever of the Year 2023, and the Fame Times International Excellence Award 2024. She debuted as Number 11 on the 2024 Top 100 Women in Shipping list and was recently featured in Marex Media’s “India Maritime Icons 2024” List.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Honours), a Master of Science in Management, and a CEMS Master in International Management from the National University of Singapore (NUS), she is also an alumna of the NUS University Scholars Programme. Ms. Batura Pai recently earned a Professional Doctorate from the European International University and is pursuing a Post Graduate Diploma in Executive Maritime Management from the World Maritime University.

An active volunteer, Ms. Batura Pai contributes to various organizations, including the Singapore Logistics Association (SLA), and serves on multiple alumni boards, including the NUS Business School Alumni Association and the CEMS Local Chapter in Singapore. She has raised significant funds for NUS initiatives and, during the Covid lockdown, raised SGD 2,350 through crochet sales, donating to charities supporting migrant workers and children with cancer.

On a personal note, Ms. Batura Pai is a mother of two, enjoys traveling, and has visited 69 countries.

With over 35 years of collective experience in the mining, drilling, and maritime industries, Justin serves as the Vice President of "Technical & Marine Services" at International Maritime Industries (IMI). Having spent nine years with IMI, he previously held roles as the "Yard Development and Technical Services VP" and "Asset Management VP".

Justin's journey at IMI has been marked by overseeing the entire lifecycle of one of the world's largest maritime yards, from basic design to construction and maintenance. This facility offers integrated services for the oil and gas industry, new builds, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sectors.

Before joining IMI, he spent 17 years with Lamprell in the UAE, where they initiated and managed drilling operations across East and West Africa, achieving a peak rig count of 56 rigs of varying types and sizes.

He has successfully led and delivered numerous complex projects, including the construction of offshore and onshore rigs, vessels, and platforms, all while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency.

Furthermore, his role in asset management and marine operations at IMI has been pivotal, leading teams to provide optimal solutions for marine transport and logistics for both the yard and its clients.

Driven by a shared passion for innovation, sustainability, and excellence in the maritime industry, he is committed to leveraging his collective expertise and capabilities to advance IMI's vision of becoming a global leader in maritime services and associated industries.

Jasmin is a dual qualified English and German Solicitor and has been specializing in marine insurance law since the start of her career in 1997. She studied law in Hamburg and maritime law in Southampton and gained valuable experience in international law firms in Hamburg and London in the respective marine insurance departments.

After three years of working in the city of London, she moved to Dubai in 2002 and joined a leading marine insurance broker as legal counsel for the Middle East. She established an excellent network within the maritime community and developed her legal skills further by handling marine insurance claims, from salvage, collisions, wreck removal to cargo claims and personal injury. This gained her the reputation as one of the most experienced marine insurance experts in the region who has been ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers Global consistently as a leading expert.

In 2005 Jasmin established Fichte & Co LLC, one of the leading law firms in the Middle East, with the support of the shipping community. The company has since grown to one of the largest full-service law firms and represents not only ship owners, P&I clubs, insurers and re-insurers, trading houses but also numerous clients from a variety of sectors and industries. She publishes frequent articles on diverse subjects of marine insurance, shipping, and transportation law and regularly works closely with the UAE Federal Transport Authority and the Dubai Government.

A Master Mariner with 25 Years of Experience in both Deep Sea and the Offshore Industry . Worked Previously with ADNOC Group for 8 Years in Abu Dhabi and currently serving as CEO of Greenfield Marine Technologies , a Company that creates smart Digital Solutions using cutting edge technologies .

A firm believer that Technology is at the cusp of revolutionizing the Maritime Industry

Jaideep Vohra began his sailing career as a Junior Engineer on board tankers and OBO vessels, having completed his Marine Engineering at DMET/MERI. He stepped ashore after gaining valuable technical expertise over his 15-year sailing career, the last five of which were as a Chief Engineer with Maersk Tankers. In 2008, he joined Mideast as a Technical Superintendent, responsible for VLCC operations. His exceptional performance led to his appointment as Assistant Fleet Manager in 2014, overseeing VLCCs, RORO vessels, and Bulk Carriers. Jaideep then became Fleet Manager in 2019, managing a mixed fleet of Product Tankers, RORO vessels, and Bulk Carriers. In 2021, he moved over to the Fleet Performance Department, overseeing the vessels' digitalization journey with a focus on monitoring and optimizing the fleet's performance. He currently holds the position of the Director, Fleet Performance and Drydocking.

Tim Coffin is the Chief Executive Officer of Tristar Eships, the maritime logistics division of the Tristar Group. He has over 25 years of experience in the shipping industry. Tim has managed privately-owned and publicly-listed shipping entities across multiple jurisdictions. He holds an MA from the University of St. Andrews and an MBA from Bayes Business School.

Capt. Dheeraj Sharma is the Vice President of ABS, for the Middle East and Africa and is based in Dubai.

Dheeraj joined ABS in early 2022. Prior to this, Dheeraj spent almost a decade at the United Arab Chemical Carriers (UACC) as their General Manger/Owners Representative at their head office in Dubai overseeing the daily running of the 26 tankers and office teams in Singapore, Mumbai & Hongkong. Before coming ashore, he sailed for 17 years with NOL Singapore, Kuwait Oil Tankers (KOTC) and World-Wide Shipping as Master on Shell & BP-chartered vessels.

Dheeraj is qualified Master Mariner from the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency, holds an MBA in Oil and Gas Management and is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, London. Having worked for shipowners, managers and oil majors in marine operations, safety, commercial and new building departments, Dheeraj brings a wealth of commercial shipping experience and an owner's perspective with him.

Mr Jamil Al Ali graduated in 1990 as a Marine Engineer from South Tyneside College, UK after completing his engineering cadetship sponsored by Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC). He sailed onboard all classes of vessels within the KOTC fleet, serving onboard products tankers, VLCC and Gas carriers during his tenure at sea, sailing up to the rank of Chief Engineer before joining KOTC Head office as technical Superintendent in 2002.

He has held various managerial positions in KOTC Head Office spanning from fleet engineering group manager to managing the Fleet new building group and has developed a vast experience in the tanker and gas carriers segments throughout his vast career.

He was often recognized for his key role in ensuring the KOTC fleet was maintained to the highest industry standards and has often received prestigious industry awards such as Tanker Operator of the year etc.

He has headed the Kuwait delegation at the IMO MEPC meeting in London and represented Kuwait at COP 23 – Shipping Initiative in Bonn, Germany.

After a very successful 30 years career at KOTC, Jamil Al Ali is appointed as Head of Regional Commercial & Business Development for the Middle East Region within the Marine and Offshore Division of Bureau Veritas.

Well-educated and equally experienced, Eng. Hessa Ahmed Hamdan Al Malek has been a trailblazer in maritime both regionally and globally. Accomplishing a number of noteworthy achievements on both personal and professional levels, she has paved a path for ambitious women all over the world to follow. Currently, Eng. Hessa serves as the Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure

With over 20 years of experience in distinctive fields such as urban planning and development, maritime transport, land design and management, and public works, Eng. Hessa is well-versed as it pertains to the ins and outs of the industry. Her expertise includes: maritime strategy, policy, and governance in the maritime sector, maritime legislation, maritime education and training, port development infrastructure, as well as certifications in a number of maritime training courses related to strategy, policymaking, management, human resources and more.

Eng. Hessa worked in the Ministry of Public Works for 14 years as she was promoted from Project Manager in 2000 to Undersecretary Assistant for Public Works in 2012. During her work at the Ministry, she gained extensive experience, leadership and management skills, especially in the management of the public works management such as effective design, implementation and management of engineering projects and maintenance (buildings - roads) and specialized knowledge associated with urban planning and GIS.

In her postion at the FTA, Eng. Hessa contributed to the prosperity of UAE maritime by successfully fulfilling her responsibilities of supervising all works of the local maritime sector at a federal level. This included updating the UAE’s new maritime law, enhancing maritime education, protecting the country’s maritime infrastructure, overseeing ship registration development, and representing the nation in industry related events. Furthermore, Eng. Hessa also plays a key role in the strategic framework of the UAE’s policy and strategies for maritime administration by acting as the head of the Maritime Technical Executive Council.

Today, Eng. Hessa is also the President of the Arab Women in Maritime Association (AWIMA), where she continually strives to empower and encourage aspiring females to remain relentless in their pursuit of a maritime career. Through these efforts and an unwavering work ethic, Eng. Hessa has become an inspiration for countless women who are seeking to enter and make a name for themselves in the maritime industry.

H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim is the Chairman & Group CEO of KBI-uae which is a conglomerate operating in several sectors including oil & gas, energy, navigation and industry. H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim is a board member of Gulf Craft Inc and Asia Think Tank Group for future maritime transformation and the Global advisor for the MareForum, formerly he was Board Member and MD and Group CEO of Gulf Navigation Holding PJSC and Board Member of Drake and Scull International PJSC. H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim is the Chairman of the Dubai Council for Marine and Maritime Industries, the specialized industry council formed to promote the interests of the offshore and maritime industry in Dubai and the UAE. He is Honorary Advisor to Hong Kong Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) and also Chairman of Arab Association for Petroleum Professionals (AAPP), for the professionals in the oil and gas industry in the Middle East and the world to connect, network and collaborate to tackle major challenges facing the industry. In addition, he is the former Chairman of the Federal Committee for the Revision and Update of the UAE Maritime Law, the committee was created to review and update the UAE Commercial Maritime Law and formulate a new & futuristic law that will propel and govern the ongoing potential growth of business and the maritime industry in the UAE and the region.

H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim is the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Drydocks world and Maritime world and Chairman of the Board of DDW-PaxOcean Asia PTE Singapore and has successfully led the organization through its restructuring during the global financial crisis. His leadership and direction have been instrumental in the company being able to acquire several pioneering projects on a global scale. This leadership has seen the company move from close to financial failure, create major synergies, recognize potential and place the organization firmly on a path driven to sustainable profitability and growth.

H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim is a Leading veteran in the oil and gas industry worked with Conoco and ConocoPhillips for 26 years and held various corporate and management positions, including vice president of Dubai oil company, a subsidiary of ConocoPhillips in the United Arab Emirates. He was also the Chairman and CEO of Regional Clean Sea Organization (RECSO) the oil industry environmental arm in the Gulf region.

H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim is also involved in specialized transport for future critical minerals and in joint management, operation, and investment in different critical commodities. Such minerals aid the new technologies evolution and future clean energy and global communication and mobility. The KBI-uae /strategic partners involved in South America and East Africa mining.

H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim is involved in a number of leading private & public organization, he was member of the Dubai Government Crises and Disasters Management Team, member of the Advisory board of Emirates Classification Society (Tasneef), Vice Chairman of the Federal Transportation Authority Technical Committee, Advisor to the Career Gulf Development and Senior Advisor in the Middle East and North AfricaBusiness strategies & International Energy.

H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim has won many Awards and life time achievements, including being recognized as the most influential maritime top 50 personalities in the world by Tanker Shipping & Trade magazine of London 2015, The Maritime Standard Hall of Fame 2016, H.H sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Business Award 2014, The Tatweej Personality Award for leadership, management and business 2014, The "Outstanding Lifetime Achievement" award from Lloyd's List London for his contribution to the in an exemplary & profound manner and for his distinguished service to the maritime sector in the UAE, his role in reviving the legacy shipbuilder & helping to instill new energy into the Dubai & UAE maritime scene, The year personality award in the field of marine and maritime industry by International Ships Techniques 2013, Sword of Honors from the British Safety Council “ London 2014, The International Prize in Human Resource Management, The Archimedes Achievement Award "for excellence and exchange of knowledge" - United States of America and many others.

H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim holds Bachelor of Business Administration and Economics - United Kingdom and the National Administration degree in Crises Management and incident Command - United States of America and the High-accreditation on international human resources management (IPM) & a Credited executive in Mergers, acquisitions and transformation including corporate restructuring, finance, and growth.