In a landmark moment for the maritime industry, Captain Sahar Rasti, the UAE’s first female ship master, was awarded the Benchmark for Maritime Industry Excellence Award at The Maritime Standard (TMS) Awards 2025. This prestigious accolade, presented on October 29, 2025, at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai, recognizes her exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to excellence, and tireless advocacy for women’s empowerment in the maritime sector. The event, held under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Airline and Group, drew over 1,000 senior executives and industry leaders from across the Middle East, India, and beyond. Captain Rasti’s achievement is a testament to the UAE’s dedication to fostering diversity, inclusion, and innovation within its maritime industry. In her acceptance speech, she emphasized that the award symbolizes the potential of Emirati women to excel in leadership roles and encouraged young women to pursue their passions in maritime careers. The TMS Awards 2025 celebrated excellence across 25 categories, including shipping, logistics, and marine technology, while highlighting the UAE’s leadership in sustainable and technologically advanced maritime practices. Trevor Pereira, Managing Director of The Maritime Standard, underscored the event’s role in promoting innovation and excellence, reinforcing the region’s position as a global maritime leader. Captain Rasti’s groundbreaking accomplishment not only marks a milestone for women in the industry but also reflects the UAE’s vision of nurturing local talent and driving global maritime innovation.
UAE’s first female ship master, Captain Sahar Rasti, honoured with Maritime Industry Excellence Award
