The current fierce competitions between ports at global level are providing the ports themselves with a strong incentive to implement environmental management systems. A port with a strong environmental record and a high level of community support is likely to be favored by international market players. Arab, African and Middle East ports hold a special place in the global maritime space and constitute a huge potential and asset for their economic development. However, without proper environmental tools and policies in ports, there is an increased risk of having a clear imbalance between the environmental challenges and economic demand. From this perspective, environmental management tools and certification are essential methods in which ports can minimize and mitigate the negative impact of environmental risks in its operations while harnessing positive ones.