The U.A.E. branch was the first overseas branch of the Nautical institute to be set up and was formed at the Arab Maritime Academy in Sharjah, whose head, Capt. Abdul Wahab M. Al Diwani became the first chairman on its formation on 04 October 1982.

The founding members were Capt. Alan Lester and Capt. Chris Spencer, the latter becoming the branch secretary.

The first Marine Ball was held in 1988 when the 220 members and guests raised USD $3,300 for the Dubai and Jebel Ali International Seafarers Centres. Year on year the amount raised has increased and in the year 2008 & 2009 the Branch raised a whopping sum of over USD $100,000, from an attendance of over 700 guests.

Needless to state all the sums generated from the Marine Ball are distributed to various Charitable Institutions locally and worldwide.

Additionally the Branch hosts its annual X-Mas Party each December here in Dubai

The UAE Branch is closely associated with local Maritime Institutions and the UKMTO