The UAE is hosting an international conference to try to forge a more effective and coordinated response to the growing threat of piracy.
The two-day event, which begins tomorrow and is hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the ports operator DP World, will gather senior UN and government officials, industry executives and security experts from 50 countries.
"The UAE is a uniquely concerned stakeholder in the global fight against the threat: as a regional neighbour to those countries most affected by piracy, as a major global hub for business and maritime trade, and as a responsible member of the international community," Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, said.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the chairman of DP World, the third largest ports operator in the world, said: "With maritime piracy increasing in range and scale, and pirate attacks posing a great threat to vessels in many regions, resulting in loss of life, hostage taking and a significant impact on world trade, addressing piracy has become an urgent global priority."
