Saudi Ambassador to UK Prince Khalid bin Bandar Awarded Honorary Doctorate for Maritime Contributions

The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport has awarded an honorary doctorate to Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, in recognition of his significant contributions to the maritime sector.

The ceremony was held at the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) headquarters in London, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

The honorary degree acknowledges Prince Khalid’s efforts in advancing Saudi Arabia’s maritime initiatives and supporting broader aspirations of Arab nations in the maritime field. His leadership during the 33rd session of the IMO Assembly was highlighted as a key milestone that bolstered Arab and international maritime cooperation and progress.

In his acceptance remarks, Prince Khalid expressed his gratitude to the academy for the recognition. He emphasized the importance of the maritime sector for economic and sustainable development, not just for Saudi Arabia but for the wider Arab region. He noted that the award would further motivate collaborative efforts aimed at empowering Arab countries in maritime affairs and enhancing their global standing.

“Growth in this vital sector depends on continued collaboration and knowledge exchange,” Prince Khalid said. “Our aim must be to support sustainable development and deepen regional maritime integration.”

The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport is a leading institution that plays a pivotal role in maritime education, research, and development across the region. Through its academic programs and regional partnerships, the academy has been instrumental in building human capacity and fostering leadership within the maritime industry.

Prince Khalid’s recognition also underscores Saudi Arabia’s increasing involvement in international maritime affairs. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom has placed a strong emphasis on expanding its logistics and maritime infrastructure, aiming to become a global logistics hub.

The IMO, a specialized United Nations agency responsible for regulating shipping, has seen growing participation from Gulf and Arab nations in recent years, with Saudi Arabia taking on a more prominent leadership role. Prince Khalid’s stewardship during the 33rd IMO Assembly marked a notable example of that evolving influence.

Officials from the Arab Academy praised Prince Khalid’s commitment to sustainability in maritime development and his advocacy for innovation, regulation, and education in the sector.

The honorary doctorate symbolizes not only individual achievement but also a broader commitment by Saudi Arabia to contribute meaningfully to global maritime governance and regional cooperation. As the maritime sector faces complex challenges ranging from climate change to evolving trade dynamics, leaders like Prince Khalid are seen as vital to steering constructive dialogue and action.