DSAA and FONASBA Explore Strategic Collaboration to Strengthen Regional Maritime Engagement

Advancing Global and Regional Maritime Dialogue

The Dubai Shipping Agents Association (DSAA) recently hosted a strategic collaboration meeting with senior representatives from the Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA), reinforcing Dubai’s growing role within global maritime dialogue and international industry engagement.

The meeting brought together H.E. Salah Sharaf, Chairman of DSAA, Mr. Fulvio Carlini, President of FONASBA, Dr. Dureid Mahasneh, FONASBA Vice President – Middle East, Mr. Bahadir Tonguc, FONASBA Executive Committee Member and Shipbroking Committee Chair, alongside representatives from DSAA leadership and management.

Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between DSAA and FONASBA across areas including professional development, regional industry engagement, operational resilience, and future maritime leadership initiatives.

Positioning Regional Insight Within Global Maritime Discussions

During the meeting, FONASBA representatives highlighted Dubai’s strategic importance as a leading maritime and trade hub within the region, emphasizing the growing need for regional operational insight and industry perspectives to be more actively reflected within global maritime discussions and international industry forums.

The discussions reinforced the importance of stronger collaboration between international maritime organizations and regional industry associations capable of contributing practical operational insight, sector engagement, and market perspective from key global trade corridors.

DSAA Presents Strategic Collaboration Initiatives

As part of the engagement, DSAA presented a number of proposed collaboration initiatives designed to support long-term industry value, knowledge-sharing, and regional participation within international maritime platforms.

The proposed initiatives included:

• Joint Global–Regional Training & Knowledge Labs

• Operational Risk, Digital Integrity & Resilience initiatives

• Talent, Youth & Women in Maritime participation pathways

The initiatives were introduced as practical, value-driven, and pilot-based frameworks intended to support both regional industry development and broader international dialogue across the maritime sector.

Particular interest was expressed around initiatives focused on youth engagement, diversity, future leadership, and expanding participation pathways within the maritime industry — areas increasingly recognized as important priorities across the global maritime sector.

Strengthening International Collaboration

The meeting also explored opportunities for deeper regional coordination and enhanced international engagement across the GCC and wider region, reflecting the increasing importance of structured collaboration between global maritime organizations and regional industry bodies.

Discussions additionally touched on potential future collaboration surrounding upcoming FONASBA Annual General Meetings and broader participation-focused initiatives that encourage international exchange, professional development, and stronger regional representation within global maritime platforms.

The engagement reflects DSAA’s continued strategic direction toward strengthening its international presence, supporting meaningful industry collaboration, and positioning Dubai’s maritime community within broader global discussions shaping the future of trade, shipping, and maritime connectivity.

Looking Ahead

As Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a leading center for global trade and maritime activity, DSAA remains committed to building constructive international partnerships that support knowledge-sharing, industry advancement, and long-term sector resilience.

Through strategic engagement with organizations such as FONASBA, DSAA continues to reinforce its role as a globally connected platform supporting collaboration between regional maritime stakeholders and the wider international shipping community.