Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy

What Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy does

Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy (ADMA) is a state-owned maritime education and training institution founded in 2019 and wholly owned by AD Ports Group, operating from a single campus in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi. It delivers academic diplomas (ADSMO, ADMET, MEBP), professional certificates (ICS, FIATA, PMI, CFA, CMA, CPA, CIA, FRM), short and simulator-based STCW courses, and bespoke corporate training through its Abu Dhabi Knowledge Bridge division, targeting working seafarers, undergraduate students, shipping-industry professionals, and enterprise clients across the UAE and the wider Gulf.

The Academy is differentiated by capital-intensive assets — full-mission bridge, tug and ship-handling simulators powered by Wärtsilä navigational technology, an e-Library of 200+ physical books and digital resources, and a digital stack comprising the Kottab LMS, a Student Information System, an online admission portal, and a Maqta Gateway-powered course booking platform. It holds multi-jurisdictional accreditations (UAE FMA, MoE, UK MCA, IALA, Lloyd's Register, ICS, FIATA, PMI) that allow it to issue internationally recognised Certificates of Competency for OICNW and OICEW roles on unlimited-voyage vessels.

Revenue is generated primarily through tuition and course fees across short courses, multi-year academic programmes, and B2B training contracts, supplemented by ancillary student visa and accommodation services. Distribution is sales-led through direct enrollment (enrollment.admacademy.ae) and a corporate training enquiry funnel, with cross-promotion through the AD Ports Group ecosystem, AD Ports Service eCatalog (atlp.ae), community roadshows across emirates, and education exhibitions. The Academy operates within a state-owned ecosystem that includes strategic partnerships with Wärtsilä (decarbonisation and smart-port research), ADNOC (Board-level representation and sponsorship), Mount Kenya University / Malindi Maritime Academy (East Africa capacity-building), and the Maritime Sustainability Research Centre Abu Dhabi.

Name

Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy

Legal name

Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy – Sole Proprietorship L.L.C

Website

https://admacademy.ae

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy (ADMA) is a state-owned, AD Ports Group–backed maritime education and training institution founded in 2019 in Abu Dhabi, delivering accredited academic diplomas, professional certifications (ICS, FIATA, PMI, CFA/CMA/CPA/CIA/FRM), and STCW simulator-based short courses to seafarers, students, and corporate clients in the UAE and wider region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maritime Education & Training

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Maritime Safety, Security & Compliance (STCW/ISM/ISPS) (EDAOANAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Navigation, Seamanship & Offshore Operations (EDAOANAE), Marine Engineering & Engine Room Operations (EDAOANAB), Pilot Training, Certification & Medical/Fitness Services (TLAHAGAI), Naval Training, Simulation & Shore-Based Test Facilities (IMAJABAN)

Keywords

• Maritime education
• Seafarer training
• Ship handling simulation
• Maritime certification
• Corporate training

Headquarters

HQ city

Musaffah

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&amp, D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Course and Programme Fees: The academy generates revenue primarily through tuition and course fees charged for its range of educational programmes and short courses. Fees vary by programme duration and type — from one-day courses to multi-year diploma programmes. The academy publishes course-specific pricing with course booking managed through the pcs.maqta.ae portal. Revenue is also earned from professional certificate programmes (ICS, FIATA, PMI), academic programmes (ADSMO, ADMET, MEBP), and upskilling/organizational training delivered to corporate clients.
2. Corporate / Organisational Training: The academy offers bespoke training solutions to organisations across industries (finance, banking, HR, leadership, digital skills, project management), delivered through in-person workshops, virtual classrooms, and blended learning formats. Training is priced and contracted on a per-programme basis for corporate clients.
3. Student Visa and Support Services: The academy arranges student visas and visit visas for enrolled attendees, and can arrange accommodation and transport on behalf of trainees at the trainee's expense — generating ancillary service revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy delivers accredited maritime education and training through multi-year academic diplomas (ADSMO, ADMET, MEBP), professional certificates (ICS, FIATA, PMI, CFA/CMA/CPA/CIA/FRM), and STCW-compliant short and simulator courses, supported by full-mission bridge, tug and ship-handling simulators. It also offers bespoke corporate training to organisations across finance, banking, HR, leadership, digital and project management domains through its Abu Dhabi Knowledge Bridge division.

Product overview

Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy operates as a single maritime education and training institution providing a comprehensive portfolio of programmes and services. The core academic offerings include three main programmes: Advanced Diploma in Shipping & Maritime Operations (ADSMO), Advanced Diploma in Marine Engineering Technology (ADMET), and Marine Engineering Bridging Programme (MEBP). Professional development is delivered through FIATA-accredited Freight & Logistics certificates, 12 ICS Maritime Logistics specialist certificates, PMI project management courses, and financial certifications (CFA, CMA, CPA, CIA, FRM). Short and simulator courses serve working professionals across STCW, VTS, maritime security, and vessel handling. The Academy also provides digital services including a Learning Management System (Kottab), Student Information System, E-Library, Course Booking System via Maqta Gateway, and an Admission Portal. Corporate training solutions round out the offerings for organisational upskilling.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Advanced Diploma in Shipping & Maritime Operations (ADSMO) A 3-year academic diploma programme that prepares students for Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) certification on vessels over 500 GT, accredited by NQC-MoE and FMA-MoEI. Targeted at high school graduates (Science/Math streams) seeking careers as merchant navy deck officers.
• Advanced Diploma in Marine Engineering Technology (ADMET) A 3-year programme (30 months academics plus 6 months seatime) qualifying learners as Marine Engineer Officers for unlimited voyage vessels, meeting STCW 1978 Manila Amendments requirements and accredited by UAE MoE and FMA.
• Marine Engineering Bridging Programme (MEBP) A 12-month bridging programme (6 months academics plus 6 months seatime) qualifying Mechanical Engineering graduates for Officer in Charge of Engineering Watch certification. Accredited by the UAE Federal Maritime Authority (FMA).
• Certificate in Maritime Logistics A 600-hour programme spanning 30 weeks covering four core units (Shipping, Economics, Shipping Business, Legal Principles) plus specialist units. Region's first integrated maritime logistics certificate, recognised by UAE MoE and UK ICS.
• Certificate in International Freight Forwarding & Logistics (FIATA) A 600-hour programme covering 15 modules aligned with FIATA Diploma, providing knowledge in international freight forwarding, logistics and global supply chain management. Delivered in collaboration with NAFL (UAE FIATA representative), leading to Level-5 Award and FIATA Diploma.
• ICS Maritime Logistics Management Certificates A suite of 12 specialist certificates covering Liner Trade, Dry Cargo Chartering, Tanker Chartering, Port Agency, Port & Terminal Management, Ship Sale & Purchase, Logistics & Multi-modal Transport, Ship Operations & Management, Marine Insurance, Shipping Law, Shipping Finance, and Offshore Support Industry. Accredited by UK ICS.
• PMI Project Management Courses Project Management Institute (PMI) accredited exam preparation courses including PMP, PMI-SP, PMI-RMP, and PMI-ACP certifications for project managers. Delivered through a 5-day intensive 35-contact-hour format.
• Financial Professional Certifications (CFA, CMA, CPA, CIA, FRM) Financial certification programmes covering Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA, 5-6 months per level across 3 levels), Certified Management Accountant (CMA, 3-4 months per part across 2 parts), Certified Public Accountant (CPA, 2-4 months per part across 4 parts), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA, 2-3 months per part across 3 parts), and Financial Risk Manager (FRM, 5-6 months per part across 2 parts) credentials.
• Short & Simulator Courses Flexible short courses for professional mariners including STCW-compliant courses, Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), Maritime Security, Port & Vessel Manoeuvring Simulation, Maritime Professional Development, Leisure courses, and TTC Partnership specialised tug and pilot training.
• Corporate Training Solutions Organisation-specific training programmes covering finance, banking, audit, HR, leadership, behavioural skills, digital skills, AI, project management, and graduate development. Delivered through in-person workshops, virtual classrooms and blended learning formats on a per-programme quote basis.

Quantifiable outcome

• Produces graduates eligible for Officer In Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) Certificate of Competency on vessels over 500 GT, issued by UAE Federal Maritime Authority
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• MinexxminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 April 2026State-owned Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy signed an agreement with Minexx, a technology-enabled mining company in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to design and deploy an AI-enabled ore sorting system for mineral pre-processing. The system will be powered by machine-learning models and specialised hardware, integrated into Minexx's live operations to improve recovery rates from low-grade ore.
• Wärtsilä CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 February 2026Five-year MoU signed between Wärtsilä and Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy to advance marine decarbonisation, digitalisation, smart port solutions, and maritime training. Wärtsilä provides expert advisory services and engages early in customer projects to accelerate sustainable shipping practices. The Maritime Sustainability Research Centre Abu Dhabi provides advisory support. The partnership may extend to government-to-government initiatives across the GCC region.
• Maritime School of Monaco (CSM)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCSM (Maritime School of Monaco) is listed as an institutional partner on the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy website, suggesting a global educational partnership for curriculum development, faculty exchange, or joint programme delivery.
• National Association of Freight & Logistics (NAFL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNAFL is the sole UAE representative for FIATA (International Freight Forwarders Association, Switzerland). ADMA conducts the FIATA Diploma in International Freight Forwarding & Logistics in collaboration with NAFL, enabling candidates to obtain the internationally acclaimed FIATA Diploma alongside ADMA's Level-5 Award.
• ADNOCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerADNOC is listed as a partner on the academy website. Capt. Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of ADNOC Logistics and Services, serves on the Board of Trustees of Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy. ADNOC provides sponsorship opportunities for students and likely supports training programmes for its maritime workforce.
• Mount Kenya University / Malindi Maritime AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAbu Dhabi Maritime Academy signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mount Kenya University in November (prior to 2026) to strengthen maritime education and address the global shortage of skilled seafarers. As part of this partnership, Malindi Maritime Academy commissioned a Sh30 million ship bridge simulator equipped with Wärtsilä navigational technology, with ADMA's involvement in supporting curriculum and training development.
• Maritime Sustainability Research Centre Abu DhabicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Maritime Sustainability Research Centre Abu Dhabi plays an advisory and supporting role in the five-year partnership between ADMA and Wärtsilä, providing research expertise for decarbonisation, digital sustainability and smart port solutions in the UAE maritime sector.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Australian Maritime College (University of Tasmania): Australia's national maritime education and training institution, delivering STCW-compliant deck, marine engineering and maritime simulation programmes with full-mission bridge and engine simulators. Comparable in programme breadth and regulator-accredited certification outcomes.
• Warsash Maritime Academy (Solent University): UK-based maritime training academy offering STCW courses, full-mission simulation and degree programmes leading to MCA Certificates of Competency. Closest direct global peer to ADMA in scope, accreditation profile and target cadet audience.
• Dalian Maritime University: One of China's principal maritime universities offering STCW-compliant deck, marine engineering and maritime law programmes with large-scale simulation facilities. Comparable in scale, programme breadth, and role as a national maritime training hub.
• Marine Institute (Memorial University of Newfoundland): Canadian maritime training institution offering STCW-compliant navigation, marine engineering and simulation programmes with Transport Canada accreditation. Comparable in combining academic diplomas with full-mission simulation for international seafarer certification.
• National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI): Ireland's dedicated maritime training college delivering STCW-certified deck, engineering and simulation programmes with Transas/Kongsberg full-mission simulators. Direct peer in delivering regulator-accredited maritime vocational education to international cadets.
• Korea Maritime and Ocean University: South Korea's flagship maritime university offering STCW-aligned deck, marine engineering and maritime logistics degrees with onboard training and shore-based simulation. Comparable as a comprehensive maritime academy producing internationally certified seafarers.

Emerging players

• Maritime Academy of Nigeria: Nigerian maritime training institution focused on producing STCW-certified deck and engineering officers for West African shipping. Relevant peer given ADMA's MoU with Malindi Maritime Academy and stated ambition to address Africa's seafarer shortage.
• IMO International Maritime Law Institute: Malta-based IMO institute delivering postgraduate training in maritime law, policy and administration. Adjacent peer given ADMA's ICS shipping business, maritime law and shipping finance curriculum and ambition to position the UAE as a maritime knowledge hub.

Broad incumbents

• Lloyd's Maritime Academy: UK-based professional training provider offering distance-learning diplomas in shipping, logistics, maritime law and offshore support. Broad incumbent that overlaps with ADMA's ICS-accredited shipping business, chartering and maritime logistics programmes.

Others

• Kongsberg Maritime Training: Technology and training provider supplying maritime simulation platforms (K-Sim) to maritime academies globally. Indirect peer via shared simulation ecosystem; competes for the same maritime training technology budgets and partners with academies worldwide.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AdmacademyUAE
• Facebookfacebook.com/admacademyuae
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/admacademyuae

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy