About H.E. Eng. Hessa Al Malek
H.E. Eng. Hessa bint Ahmed Al Malek is a pioneering Emirati leader with a profound impact in the fields of
maritime transport, infrastructure, engineering, and urban planning. With over two decades of consistent
national service, she has led strategic initiatives that contributed to reshaping the UAE’s infrastructure
landscape and strengthening the country’s global position as a competitive maritime hub.
She began her career as the first Emirati female specialized in urban planning and rose through executive
ranks, demonstrating exceptional capabilities in engineering, policy-making, and strategic leadership. In
her previous roles at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, she oversaw the construction of major
federal road and dam projects, while also modernizing administrative systems and national digital
infrastructure.
Later, she assumed the position of Advisor to the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure for Maritime
Transport Affairs. In this role, she has led efforts to update national maritime legislation and the UAE’s
successful bid to secure a seat on the IMO Council for four consecutive terms. She was the architect
behind some of the UAE’s landmark maritime initiatives like the “Blue Pass” and the “Astrolabe Satellite
Project,” which have considerably advanced maritime digital transformation and logistical integration.
Eng. Al Malek is also recognized for her leadership in youth empowerment and women’s advancement in
maritime fields as she founded and supported regional initiatives targeting women in maritime. Moreover,
she served as an official representative of the UAE at the global stage in events such as COP28 and
Seatrade, offering an inspiring role model of Emirati women in high-impact strategic sectors.
Key Leadership Positions
• Project Manager of Redevelopment of Remote Areas in the UAE (2005)
• Director of Federal Roads Department (2008–2012)
• Director of Urban Planning Department (2012)
• Assistant Undersecretary for Public Works Sector (2013)
• Executive Director of Maritime Transport Sector (2014–2021)
• Senior Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs (2021 – Present)
Education
• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture – United Arab Emirates University (2000)
• Master’s Degree in Urban and Transportation Planning – American University of Sharjah (2005)
• Diploma in Future Foresight – UAE Prime Minister’s Office (2016)
Awards & Honors
• The UAE Prime Minister Accolade for the Best Executive Director of the Federal Government – (2019)
• Most Distinguished Woman in Maritime Transport – The Maritime Standard Awards (2018)
• Integrated Performance Award for Women in Maritime – Seatrade Maritime Awards (2019)
• Excellence in Maritime Governance – ShipTek International Maritime Awards (2023)
• Emirati Women Achievers Award – StartAD (2024)
Key Achievements
• Spearheaded the modernization of the UAE Maritime Law (Decree Law No. 43 of 2023), replacing
legislation from 1981.
• Successfully led the UAE effort to secure Category B membership in the IMO Council for four
consecutive terms (since 2017).
• Oversaw the development and launch of the UAE’s National Maritime Sector Strategy (2021) and its
integration into international frameworks.
• Contributed to UAE securing 1st place globally in the Road Quality Index and 7th globally in the World
Bank Logistics Performance Index, improving the country’s performance in global competitiveness
indicators.
• Led the national transport agenda within the UAE Infrastructure & Housing Council (2023–2024).
• Led efforts to found the UAE Council for Logistics Integration (2025).
• Oversaw the establishment of the National Maritime Navigation Center (2025).
• Led efforts to design and launch the Blue Pass Project (2023), recognized among the UAE’s top 3
government initiatives.
• Oversaw the roll-out of the Multi-Modal BluePass (2024) integrating maritime, land, air, and cross-
sector logistics.
• Initiated the Astrolabe Satellite Project (2024) for maritime surveillance and environmental
monitoring.
• Led efforts to launch the Jallafah Oasis Sustainable Ship Recycling Initiative (2025).
• Drove strategic planning to increase the maritime sector’s contribution to GDP to over AED 129
billion.
• Managed the Redevelopment of Remote Areas Program (2005), creating modern service hubs across
underserved regions.
• Supervised 10 major federal road projects worth AED 2.5 billion and over 70 dam constructions.
• Led the Federal Road Asset Management Program, awarded “Best Global Program” by the
International Road Federation.
• Introduced value engineering, asset management, and sustainability frameworks within federal
infrastructure projects.
• Chaired the National Smart Construction Index Taskforce, enhancing construction quality and
reducing low-skilled labor.
• Strengthened regional and global maritime cooperation through MoUs with public and private sector
institutions and maritime academies.
Additional Contributions
• Member of the Board of Directors – UAE General Civil Aviation Authority
• President – Arab Women in Maritime Association (AWIMA)
• Founder of the “She of Caliber” initiative for empowering women in the maritime sector
• Active contributor and speaker in major international forums including COP28, Breakbulk Middle East, and Seatrade Maritime events.