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All About Women in Breakbulk Middle East 2026
This year’s Women in Breakbulk programme offers a full menu of engaging activities designed for women in every role and career stage. Over two days, the programme includes the annual luncheon, a new dedicated lounge and a series of sessions that encourage learning, connection and collaboration. Each part of the programme is an opportunity to share experiences, strengthen networks and gain insights to apply long after the event.
Women in Breakbulk Luncheon, Wednesday, 4 February from noon until 3:00 pm
What to expect at Breakbulk Middle East 2026
Networking Luncheon
> Panels: The Women in Breakbulk luncheon will feature two panels on AI in the workplace. The first will include women working directly in AI who will share how to use AI effectively and common pitfalls to avoid. The second will bring together industry professionals at different stages of AI use to discuss how to overcome hesitancy, make AI a part of your workflow and best ways to guide others.
> The Mindful Tea Lab: Blend your own bliss during this fun interactive activity, hosted by our wellness partners Stressie and Kattya & Co.
View agendaNEW! Women in Breakbulk Lounge
The lounge is a place to learn, hold meetings, network and take a few moments to relax off the busy show floor. Sign up for the following:
> Woven in Wellness Reset: A morning activity to take you through the busy day
> Women at Sea | Charting Your Course: Learn what it's like to choose a career at sea from an experienced industry leader. She will present the pros and cons to give women a realistic assessment and help decide if this is the career for them.
View scheduleNetworking Luncheon Agenda
Location: 2nd Level, Sharjah D
Check-in
AI Expert Panel: Your Guide to Strategic AI Implementation
A group of female AI specialists shares how to effectively use AI for individual, team, and company-wide success, including a guide to common pitfalls to avoid for safer, smarter implementation.
Speakers
Moderator
Lunch
Mapping Your Way to AI Success
Collaborate with the women at your table to discover your collective AI wins, spot gaps in organizational support, and identify high-potential opportunities. Together, you’ll chart actionable paths to becoming AI champions in your organizations.
Speaker
Charlotte Verhaert
Certified Business Coach
Our AI Journeys: What Worked, What Didn’t and Why
Hear from women at various stages of AI use in breakbulk and project cargo. The session covers practical AI integration into your workflow and how to effectively guide colleagues in adopting new technology.
Speakers
Moderator
The Mindful Tea Lab & Dessert
Blend your own bliss in this interactive experience! Work in small groups to craft personalised tea blends inspired by global rituals. This hands-on experience is designed to engage your senses and spark conversation for a moment of calm and connection. And enjoy a buffet of treats and a beverage as you get ready to return to the show floor with all the wonderful women you’ve met.
Speakers
Women in Breakbulk Lounge Schedule
Woven in Wellness
Be guided through gentle breathwork, mindful awareness and simple movement to weave calm and balance into your busy day.
Speakers
Navigating the Next Wave: AI, Industry Transformation and the Untapped Power of Women in Breakbulk
The maritime and breakbulk industry is undergoing more than a technological shift; it is facing a leadership shift. As AI reshapes decision-making, success increasingly depends on how leaders think, collaborate and adapt. Yet women still represent only around 16% of the maritime workforce, despite the proven performance benefits of diverse leadership.
This session offers practical insights and tools for both emerging and experienced leaders to navigate the fast-paced, high-pressure reality of shipping and lead confidently into the industry’s future.
Free of charge
Speaker
Charlotte Verhaert
Certified Business Coach
Women at Sea: Charting Your Career Course
Join a candid discussion offering real insight into what it’s like to pursue a career at sea. The conversation will delve into the realities of maritime life — the benefits, the challenges, and the day-to-day experiences of working on the water. Designed to give women a clear and balanced understanding of the seafaring profession, this session will help inform whether life at sea could be the right path for their future.
Speaker
Seize the AI Opportunity
The UAE is leading the world in advancing women’s roles in AI. National strategies and inclusive policies have created an environment where women hold a 45.7 % share of the AI workforce, which is ahead of participation levels in the U.S. and Europe. It’s a model for the world and one that needs to be shared. While women have made significant progress, we can do more.
Studies show women’s jobs are three times more likely than men’s to be affected by AI. Some of that stems from history, but some is within our control. Women are less likely than men to use generative AI tools and more likely to see them as “cheating.” That hesitation is keeping some of us from learning the tools that are quickly becoming standard in many workplaces.
We already manage complex tasks and solve problems under pressure. AI can extend those strengths if we learn to use it with confidence. This year's event will inspire you to progress in your AI journey, no matter where you are!
Register for the Luncheon & Activities - limited capacity!
Luncheon tickets are $65 and space is limited. Register early to secure your seat and be part of this year’s expanded Women in Breakbulk programme. You must also register for any of the lounge workshops to ensure your place.
If you have already registered for Breakbulk Middle East, you can add items by referring to the login credentials in your confirmation email.
You & AI - take our survey
Please complete this short survey to let us know where you are in the AI journey. It will help our speakers tailor their presentations and our editorial team to develop content that meets your needs.
Partners
Join the Women in Breakbulk Networking Group
Become a member of the Women in Breakbulk networking group to stay connected with fellow members throughout the year. Simply fill out the form, including your photo and any advice you’d like to share with other women.
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