Reflections from the Arabian Peninsula
Neil McGill, our Business Development Manager, has just returned from the Arabian Peninsula as part of our efforts to strengthen IMarEST’s global impact. Here, he shares why the trip, taken alongside the IMarEST’s CEO Chris Goldsworthy, was a valuable opportunity to explore the region’s growing maritime sector, as well as how the Institute can play a key role in its development.
Our first stop was the Sultanate of Oman, a country of over 5 million people on the Southeast of the peninsula. Whilst revenue from oil and gas production has traditionally been the main source of income, the economy has begun to diversify in recent years, and this has seen the emergence of a vibrant maritime sector. Several deepwater ports have flourished during this time, including the Sohar Port and Freezone, whose team we were privileged to meet during our visit.
In Oman, there has also been a government drive to promote careers in the maritime sector, and this has seen a growth in a number of related courses available to both local and international students. Chris and I enjoyed a very productive visit to the International Maritime College Oman, part of the National University of Science and Technology, where we discussed how the IMarEST can support both the institution and its students through academic accreditations and professional registration.
Oman’s proud naval heritage was evident during our visit to the Military Technological College (MTC), established in 2012 to integrate technological education with military training. The IMarEST already accredits several MTC courses, so it was rewarding to see the facilities firsthand. We met with the marine engineering faculty, and Chris delivered a talk to students on the benefits of membership. A highlight was presenting honorary fellowships to the Dean of the College and the Chair of the Board of Directors in person.
On our second day, Chris gave a keynote presentation at the International Conference on Engineering Advancements, Science, and Technology (ICEAST) held at the College. This three-day conference aims to promote interdisciplinary collaboration among engineers, scientists, researchers, and industry professionals, providing a global platform for presenting cutting-edge research and technological innovations, and had delegates attending from several countries.
The next leg of our trip was spent in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The city needs no introduction, but as part of its spectacular growth in recent decades it has developed a significant maritime sector, and contributes over 7% of Dubai’s GDP. The IMarEST has an established branch in Dubai, and during our visit we were introduced to major maritime players in the city to discuss how individual and corporate membership could benefit organisations and their employees.
We were also honoured to be invited to the launch event of Noatum-CSM, a joint venture of AD Ports Group and Columbia Group that provides tailored management services. It was a great opportunity to network and discover more about the industry in this fascinating region.
I left the Arabian Peninsula feeling excited about the possibilities for improving professional development and global collaboration. The region has so much potential and I’d like to be a part of making that growth happen.
