Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE

تحت رعاية صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن زايد آل نهيان، رئيس دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة

Supported by

Elias Aboujawdeh

VP Freight Logistics Freight Logistics

Milaha

Elias
Elias

Elias Abou Jawdeh is an accomplished executive with over 18 years of experience in commercial and business development within the freight forwarding and logistics sectors. He is currently the Vice President of Freight Logistics at Milaha, where he leads strategic growth and drives operational excellence. Throughout his career, Elias has held key roles in project logistics and commercial management, focusing on launching new divisions and securing high-value contracts. He has a proven track record of driving efficiency and implementing innovative solutions within the logistics sector. Elias specializes in strategic planning, crisis management, and optimizing global logistics strategies. Elias is holding a bachelor’s degree in international business management from Notre Dame University and pursuing his Mba from American University of Beirut. Elias is a dynamic leader in the global logistics landscape.

Session Overview
Tuesday, 4 November
16:50
Maritime & Logistics Conference Room A 16:50 - 17:30
Investing in talent to deliver the maritime ecosystem of the future

In the face of rapidly advancing technologies, market disruptions and evolving business models, the ability to develop critical skills and maintain a capable workforce continues to be a key driver of success in the maritime sector. In addition to attracting and retaining next-generation talent, industry leaders must invest in training, upskilling and decarbonisation-related initiatives if they are to succeed in building the sustainable maritime ecosystem of the future. As automation, digitalisation and alternative fuels such as hydrogen gain traction, demand is rising for new capabilities in areas like cybersecurity, data analytics and environmental engineering. So too is competition across the global energy ecosystem. Coordinated investments in talent development, flexible working and purpose-driven employment will play an essential role in positioning maritime as a career path of choice. The sector must also take action to avoid a potential vacuum in knowledge transfer and leadership succession. Stronger industry-academic partnerships can spark early interest in maritime careers through internships, apprenticeships and hands-on learning. At the same time, collaboration between governments, maritime organisations and private entities will be critical in establishing standardised training programmes that address talent shortages. Ultimately, a coordinated, inclusive and forward-looking approach can help build the skilled and diverse workforce needed to power a resilient, high-growth maritime future.

Attendee insights:

Learn how investments in training can help the maritime and logistics industry attract and retain talent, while enabling employees to adapt to automation, digitalisation and low carbon technologies.

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