DSAA at FONASBA 2026: Dubai Proposes Hosting 2028 Annual Meeting

Shipping Arabia, November 4, 2026 – The Dubai Shipping Agents Association (DSAA) presented Dubai’s proposal to host the FONASBA Annual Meeting in 2028 during the federation’s 2026 gathering in Tokyo, Japan. DSAA also contributed to discussions on maritime corridor disruptions, evolving ship agency responsibilities and professional standards, bringing the perspectives of Dubai’s shipping community to an international industry forum.

Represented by Chairman Salah Sharaf and General Manager Ghaya Almansoori, DSAA participated in the meeting’s working sessions from October 12–14, 2026. The event was hosted by the Japan Association of Foreign-Trade Ship Agencies (JAFSA) and brought together shipping industry representatives from different international markets.

The discussions provided an opportunity for national shipping associations to exchange operational experience, address common industry challenges and examine the future development of the ship agency profession.

Maritime Corridor Disruptions and the Role of Ship Agents

Salah Sharaf participated in the opening panel, “Maritime Corridors: Insights from Our Members,” which brought together representatives from different shipping markets to discuss challenges affecting maritime trade corridors.

His contribution focused on the practical difficulties of maintaining cargo movements during periods of disruption. These challenges included the need to identify alternative gateways, arrange additional inland transportation and coordinate responses among multiple industry stakeholders.

Sharaf emphasized the importance of operational reliability and the role of ship agents in helping shipping companies respond to changing circumstances.

He highlighted how agents provide timely local knowledge, keep principals informed and help them evaluate workable alternatives when established transport arrangements face disruption.

The panel also addressed the importance of industry cooperation in managing challenges that extend across national borders. Coordinated responses and the exchange of operational knowledge featured among the key considerations discussed by participants.

DSAA’s contribution reflected the practical experience of Dubai’s shipping community in addressing maritime and logistics challenges.

DSAA at FONASBA 2026: Advancing Ship Agency Standards

Beyond maritime corridor challenges, the FONASBA meeting examined the changing responsibilities of ship agents and the future requirements of the profession.

Participants discussed closer coordination between shipping and logistics activities, reflecting the increasingly interconnected responsibilities of maritime service providers.

The program also addressed the skills required as technological developments and compliance expectations continue to evolve.

Professional standards and education formed central themes throughout the discussions. Particular attention was given to the importance of developing industry knowledge and preparing maritime professionals for changing operational requirements.

Another area of discussion involved creating meaningful opportunities for women and young professionals to participate in and contribute to the shipping industry.

For DSAA, these exchanges provided perspectives relevant to its ongoing consideration of professional training, industry engagement and the development of ship agency activities in Dubai.

The association’s participation also created opportunities to exchange experience with other national associations and identify common areas of interest in professional development.

Dubai Presents Proposal to Host FONASBA 2028

A further development during the Tokyo meeting was DSAA’s presentation of Dubai’s proposal to host the FONASBA Annual Meeting in 2028.

The association outlined the city’s proposed offering to FONASBA’s international membership as part of its engagement with the federation.

The presentation formed part of DSAA’s wider efforts to strengthen Dubai’s participation in international maritime industry discussions and maintain dialogue with shipping associations from other markets.

Throughout the gathering, DSAA representatives engaged with fellow associations to exchange views on operational challenges, industry cooperation and professional development.

These interactions provided opportunities to identify shared interests and maintain relationships with organizations representing ship agents in different maritime markets.

Through its participation in Tokyo, DSAA continued to bring Dubai’s shipping industry experience into international discussions on maritime disruption, professional standards and the future of ship agency.

The association also reinforced its engagement with the international shipping community while exploring opportunities for further cooperation and professional development.

Source: Dubai Shipping Agents Association