ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates / AsiaWire.IO / – Abu Dhabi has broken into the world’s top 15 leading maritime cities for the first time, ranking 15th in the 2026 Leading Maritime Cities report. The biennial report is jointly published by DNV and Menon Economics. The emirate climbed from 22nd place in the 2024 edition, when it first entered the global top 25. The result reflects rapid growth in Abu Dhabi’s maritime sector and its push to diversify the economy.
The report assesses maritime capitals across five pillars: attractiveness and competitiveness, maritime finance and law, maritime technology, ports and logistics, and shipping. Abu Dhabi improved in every category in the 2026 edition. It ranked in the global top 15 for both attractiveness and competitiveness and for maritime finance and law. The findings are based on data and qualitative market assessments compiled during 2024 and 2025.
Singapore kept its place as the world’s leading maritime city, followed by Shanghai, London, Rotterdam and Tokyo. Dubai ranked 12th, remaining the top maritime city in the Middle East. Athens made one of the biggest jumps, rising to 13th from 35th. Abu Dhabi’s gains add to a run of strong rankings for UAE cities, including Dubai’s entry into the top 10 of the Global Financial Centres Index.
Partners drive maritime growth
Officials said the sector’s growth is anchored in investment in maritime infrastructure, modernized regulation, wider public maritime services and rapid digital transformation. The effort is led by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport. Abu Dhabi Maritime, an AD Ports Group company, and Maritime Hub Abu Dhabi also played key roles. Partners from the public and private sectors contributed to the result.
Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, said the ranking shows the impact of long-term planning and collaboration. He said the maritime sector expands the emirate’s global reach, drives economic diversification and enhances quality of life. The department remains committed to building integrated mobility networks that balance community needs with economic growth, he added.
Focus on sustainability and innovation
Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, credited the leadership’s vision and close cooperation across the maritime ecosystem. He said partners had focused on world-class infrastructure, modern regulation and digital solutions. Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime, said the achievement reflects years of work, strategic investment and effective partnerships. He said sustainability remains a core pillar, with initiatives to cut carbon emissions and support maritime innovation.
Maritime Hub Abu Dhabi operates under the supervision of the Integrated Transport Centre as an initiative of Abu Dhabi Maritime. It brings together industry leaders, innovators, researchers and investors to develop solutions for future industry needs. The hub aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a destination for maritime business. The sector’s growth also supports the UAE’s global economic reach, with UAE overseas FDI stock rising above $402 billion.