By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: In a momentous occasion, Dr. Effat Mostafa, General Manager and Founder of Seascope MENA, Board Member of Arab Women in Maritime Association “AWIMA”, and Board Advisor to YoungShip UAE has been bestowed with a prestigious special award for her outstanding contributions to the development of the Middle East maritime industry. This remarkable recognition was conferred as part of the Seatrade 20 under 40 Awards during the UAE Maritime Week 2023.
This award marks a significant milestone in Dr. Mostafa’s illustrious career, symbolizing her unwavering commitment to advancing the Middle East maritime sector. She expressed deep gratitude for this prestigious accolade, stating, “I am truly honored to receive this special recognition. It is a testament to the tireless efforts and dedication of our team in shaping the future of the Middle East maritime industry.”
With over 10 years of experience in the maritime business excellence and pr industry, she is extremely passionate about it and continuously strives to ensure that entities within the industry grow through well-thought-out media and marketing strategies. As part of the thriving industry, she has to her credit extensive successful projects with several clients from the government and the private sector. Her objective through her role as a media expert is to curate bespoke communications strategies and messages that are aligned with the business objectives of the entities.
The Seatrade 20 under 40 Awards serve as a prominent platform to spotlight the accomplishments of young professionals who have been instrumental in driving innovation and ushering in positive transformation within the maritime sector. Among a competitive pool of candidates, Dr. Effat Mostafa has emerged as one of the top 20 maritime professionals under 40 whose dedication and vision have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Emma Howell, Content Director at Seatrade Maritime, the event’s organizers, expressed her enthusiasm and admiration for the remarkable talents recognized by the Seatrade 20 under 40 Awards. She stated, “Each year, I am continually astounded by the young innovators and dedicated individuals making a significant impact on the industry. These 20 individuals are the future leaders to watch closely, blazing a trail for others to follow. I have closely followed Mostafa’s professional journey for years, witnessing her unwavering commitment to making a distinctive impact in the MENA maritime industry. It is for this reason that our esteemed judging panel has chosen to honor her exceptional accomplishments with the 20 under 40 special award, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to revitalizing a robust maritime economy in the region.”
Thriving for success
Commenting on this achievement, Dr. Mostafa stated, “Since my foray into the industry, I have been fascinated with the dynamics of it and have always aimed higher, every step of the way. I have always been passionate about what I do, working towards the greater goal of promoting the growth of the local and regional maritime industry. Shedding light on the capabilities of women and their valuable contribution as part of the maritime workforce is one cause that has always been at the heart of my work.”
Dr. Mostafa also extended heartfelt appreciation to the supporters, mentors, and colleagues who have been an integral part of her journey, acknowledging their invaluable contributions. This award is a reflection of the collective endeavor to drive progress and innovation within the maritime realm.
Seatrade, the esteemed organization behind this recognition, has consistently celebrated outstanding achievements and excellence in the maritime industry. Their acknowledgment of Dr. Mostafa’s accomplishments underscores the significance of her work and her profound impact on the sector.
Dr. Mostafa’s exceptional dedication and accomplishments in the Middle East maritime industry are deserving of this prestigious award. The Seatrade 20 under 40 Award is a testament to her commitment to fostering positive change and innovation, and she will undoubtedly continue to be an influential force in the maritime world.
Egyptian women’s success abroad
Egypt’s Ministry of Immigration & Egyptian Expatriates Affairs has previously launched “Egyptian woman worth 100 men” initiative to utilise the transformative power of successful role models of Egyptian women abroad to contribute to promoting Egypt externally and to inform the world about the achievements of the Egyptian state in various fields, as well as participating in the “A Decent Life” initiative to develop the Egyptian countryside. With her participation in the initiative, She has been a great addition, especially with regard to the unique maritime media aspect, to promote an accurate image of Egypt abroad.
Mostafa’s career progression has been upward, helping her earn a number of accolades that have gained her credibility in the industry. She is the youngest Arab journalist who has successfully published more than 500 articles, covering different fields within the maritime sector. She is also a contributing writer in several UAE newspapers such as Gulf Today and Al-Want. Her published articles have been anthologised in different books and journal essays such as “Issues in Comparative Politics” that was published in the US by Todd Landman. In 2015, she became the youngest Exco-member for the International Women in Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) and has been selected as one of the official speakers and moderators to tackle women empowerment in the maritime industry at several regional and international events.
