Ashraf Abo Arafe
The first World Congress of Maritime Heritage presented the “Outstanding Leadership Award” to Sultan Qaboos bin Said in recognition of his interest in the Sultanate’s maritime heritage and the enhancement of its maritime standing on the international map; it has become a point of contact between nations and peoples and in recognition of his contributions to a global understanding of the importance of marine heritage in the world today.
The award was received by Minister of Transport and Communications Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Futtaisi during the ceremony held in Singapore in the presence of more than 300 participants representing governments, international and regional organizations and international institutions specializing in maritime affairs in addition to museums and experts specialized in maritime affairs.
The World Conference was organized in cooperation with the International Congress of Marine Museums, the International Chamber of Shipping, the International Maritime Organization and the North American Marine Environment Protection Association. The conference held in Singapore coincides with the 200th anniversary of the founding of the modern Singapore state, a major global hub for shipping, finance and trade.
