WISTA Conquers the UAE

WISTA (Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association), a recognized professional and reputable Shipping Organization with a focus on improving levels of competency in the shipping industry had its annual Spring Board meeting for the first time in the Middle East. The Board meeting was surrounded by different events, such as an impressive meeting with DP World, where the WISTA Ladies were received with a welcome presentation by DP World’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications, Sarah Lockie, and subsequent the audience was treated to the eagerly awaited address by Mrs. Ayesha Sultan, Director at DP World, one of the most prominent personalities in the shipping industry who offered an insight into DP World’s present capacity and future developments. Afterwards The DP World team took all the ladies for a DP World bus trip to the different terminals.

Also a conference attended by WISTA UAE members and by WISTA Presidents of other countries, such as India, Italy and Russia gave the WISTA Members a chance to exchange ideas and agree on goals to successfully contribute to the organization and their businesses. WISTA UAE has already more than 30 members and is positive that the numbers will increase considerably.

Another highlight was the 8th UAE Shipping Industry Round table organized and sponsored by Fichte & Co., Tufton Oceanic and the Dubai Council for Marine and Maritime Industries. This exclusive networking event with the title, “WISTA meets the UAE Shipping Industry” was held at the Dubai Marina Yacht Club and was a fantastic opportunity for firms in the UAE to connect with leading female executives in the maritime industry.

During these three days three facts became obvious to every participant:

1. The global numbers of WISTA members have already risen to around 2000 and the President Karin Orsel is determined to double these numbers till 2020.

2. WISTA UAE under the presidency of Jasmin Fichte is working on establishing further brands in the Middle East and thus to raise awareness of the situation of Women in the Shipping Industry in the Middle East. And WISTA India under the presidency of Sanjam Sahi Gupta has not only already established three chapters in India but is collaborating with Ladies in Indonesia and Sri Lanka to establish WISTA in this part of the World as well.

3. WISTA offers its members a great opportunity to network and to gain knowledge by constant exchange.

For more information on upcoming WISTA UAE events please see here.

About WISTA UAE

WISTA UAE was established in 2010 and as the first WISTA organisation in the Middle East has by now more than 35 active members on board. The UAE chapter’s mission is to raise awareness of the Middle East shipping industry amongst professional women inside the country and abroad, to encourage more to join the maritime & trading sector and to build a network platform for women within a mainly male dominated industry.

WISTA UAE is meeting on a bi-monthly base and more importantly organises seminars and training programs regularly to educate young women and highlight the many opportunities that exist.

If you would like to know more about membership and have more information, please contact Mrs. Jasmin Fichte, presiding President of WISTA UAE on info@fichtelegal.com