On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) honored Captain (Aqeed) Ahmed Al Badi, Head of the Oman National Hydrographic Office (ONHO), with the esteemed Alexander Dalrymple Award for 2025 in recognition of his exceptional services to hydrography.

Captain Ahmed Al Badi was personally invited to the UKHO where he was graciously presented with this year’s award. The ceremony, hosted by the UK’s National Hydrographer and Director of Data Acquisition and Defence, Rear Admiral Angus Essenhigh OBE, was attended by members of the UKHO team, as well as Colonel Said Al Mamari, Assistant Military Attaché from the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman.

The Alexander Dalrymple Award committee commended Captain Ahmed Al Badi for his strategic vision and leadership in advancing ONHO in the S-100 space, culminating in the formulation of a pioneering five-year implementation plan – a first for a member of the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME) Sea Area Hydrographic Commission. Consequently, Captain Ahmed was appointed as the RSAHC’s inaugural S-100 coordinator.

His instrumental role in fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and adherence to hydrographic standards within the ROPME was also acknowledged by the UKHO. Captain Ahmed’s active participation in International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) meetings has led to Oman hosting numerous IHO capacity-building training events.

“This accolade serves as a powerful incentive to continue my dedication to the field of hydrography with unwavering commitment and integrity. I am deeply honored to receive this recognition and join the ranks of esteemed professionals who have made significant contributions to our profession,” expressed Captain Ahmed Al Badi.

Driven by his vision for ONHO to benefit all Omanis, Captain Ahmed has expanded the team by recruiting several civilian Omani personnel and nurturing the careers of female hydrographers. As the representative of the National Hydrographic and Royal Navy of Oman across various Omani Ministries, he consistently emphasizes the significance of hydrography for economic and social progress within the framework of Oman Vision 2040.

The Alexander Dalrymple Award, established in 2006 by the UKHO and named after the inaugural Hydrographer of the British Admiralty, celebrates outstanding contributions to hydrography. Recipients are handpicked by the UKHO’s Executive Committee for their unwavering commitment to advancing hydrography, cartography, and navigation standards globally.