Founded in 1856, The Mission to Seafarers is a global non-profit organization funded entirely by voluntary donations. Since the beginning we have had one mission; to provide compassion, care, and support to seafarers around the world when they need it most. Currently, The Mission to Seafarers has a presence in 200 ports in 50 different countries worldwide.

This makes us the largest port-based welfare organization in the world. We provide support to seafarers 365 days per year, regardless of their rank, nationality, gender, or religion. The vital, but often invisible, element in the network that makes up the economic system that we depend on are the men and women who sail the ships that keep everything moving.

Their lives are stressful and can be dangerous. They contend with isolation, demanding working conditions, and not infrequent personal crises. In an emergency, The Mission to Seafarers is often the only help on offer. No matter what problem a seafarer is facing, globally, they know they can turn to us for help, advice, and support. In the United Arab Emirates, The Mission to Seafarers has supported the maritime community since 1962 and is a charitable NPO licensed at International Humanitarian City. Visiting ships, in the various UAE ports, on a weekly basis, creates the opportunity to offer support ranging from counselling, facilitating communication with loved ones at home, providing welfare provisions such as food, water, clothing, toiletries, and medical supplies; and helping to facilitate solutions on justice issues such as being stranded without pay, injured, denied shore leave, abandoned, or shipwrecked.

The UAE branch of The Mission to Seafarers is committed to:

1.Caring for any seafarer regardless of their rank, nationality, gender, or religion.

2.Conducting general ship visits on a weekly basis in the various UAE ports.

3.Where necessary, provide welfare provisions to seafarers onboard, either in the port or the anchorage.

4.When required, to liaise with port and maritime authorities and other key stakeholders, to assist in finding solutions to justice issues such as stranded without pay, abandonment, or repatriation.

Seafarers are very often victims through no fault of their own. We practically support not only the seafarers who come through the UAE ports but also their families. It is always a joy to play a small part in enabling crews and those whom they love back at home to stay in touch. Our services are free to seafarers, and we always strive to provide holistic care in a professional, confidential, and gentle manner. Through the work that we do and through our good working relationships with the Federal Maritime Authority and port authorities, we hope to enhance and promote good quality shipping across the UAE ports and improve the well-being of all seafarers.

The Maritime Standard AITech Conference 2026

24 November 2026 | Taj Exotica Resort, Dubai, UAE

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