Education Alliance Orged To Launch Region’s First Masters In Maritime Law

The DIFC Academy of Law and City Law School at City, University of London, today announced a joint venture to launch the region’s first specialised Masters in Maritime Law (LLM). Set to begin in early 2019, this programme is intended for law graduates, lawyers and working professionals across the maritime sector, such as ships’ officers, shipbrokers and claims handlers.

Delivered by faculty from City, University of London as well as legal practitioners and occasional specialist lecturers, the LLM programme will consist of four modules, with a focus on topics such as shipping contracts, insurance, admiralty practice, international sale of goods, and commercial arbitration. Taught at the Academy’s DIFC campus over intensive weekend blocks, the flexible programme is designed to enable students to fit their studies around full-time professional commitments.

The UAE currently accounts for an estimated 60% of the region’s maritime industry activity. As such, the national government is taking steps to ensure the country remains a hub for maritime commerce. The sector is witnessing steady growth as Dubai in particular works to become one of the world’s top shipping hubs through its Maritime Vision 2030. The industry in Dubai is expected to be worth $66 billion by 2018, according to **Oxford Business Group, with further investment planned for the established Jebel Ali Port and ongoing development at the two million square metre new free zone, Dubai Maritime City.

David Gallo, Director, DIFC Academy of Law, said: “We enthusiastically embrace this alliance with City, University of London, a global leader in legal education, and subject matter specialist in international maritime law. The rapid growth and complexity of maritime activity in the UAE and broader Middle East requires skilled professionals to structure transactions and resolve disputes. Launching this LLM in Dubai is intended to meet growing demand for high quality legal services, with the ultimate goal of increasing regional trade and accelerating economic growth.”

Interim Dean of the City Law School, Professor Chris Ryan, said: “Dubai has rapidly become a major global maritime centre and has built up an enviable reputation for itself. The introduction of City Law School’s well-respected and successful LLM in Maritime Law, in collaboration with the DIFC Academy of Law, is a perfect fit which bodes well for the future of post-graduate legal education in the MENA region.”