On 24 September 2026, the Faculty of Maritime Studies at the Maldives National University hosted a combined event celebrating World Maritime Day alongside the university’s “Know Your University: Discover. Connect. Collaborate.” initiative. The gathering brought together members of the university community, key industry stakeholders, and personnel working across the maritime sector to recognize the vital role of maritime affairs and explore the academic opportunities offered by the faculty.

Centered around the global theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” Captain Mohamed Zaid, Dean of the Faculty of Maritime Studies, and Captain Ahmed Zubair, Deputy Managing Director of Maldives State Shipping, delivered key addresses to the participants. They emphasized the significance of the maritime industry and explained the real-world application of this year’s theme. During his speech, Captain Zaid also highlighted major points from the International Maritime Organization Secretary-General’s message, stressing how global policy frameworks translate into operational excellence and safety on the water.

As part of the “Know Your University” initiative designed to familiarize staff and students with various academic units, Captain Zaid provided a comprehensive overview of the Faculty of Maritime Studies. His presentation detailed the faculty’s history, major milestones, academic programs, and ongoing commitment to training a highly skilled maritime workforce. Following the presentation, participants were guided through the faculty’s practical training spaces, where they gained hands-on exposure to specialized equipment and experienced the full mission simulator to gain direct insight into realistic seafarer training environments.

To complement the formal proceedings, the event featured interactive games and activities that created an engaging, enjoyable atmosphere for all attendees. These social activities provided a valuable opportunity for students, faculty, and industry leaders to connect, share experiences, and build professional relationships. Ultimately, the dual event served as an effective platform to strengthen ties between the Maldives National University, maritime stakeholders, and the wider community while promoting greater awareness of maritime education.