[1][2] AASTMT started as a notion in the Arab League Transport Committee's meetings on 11 March 1970.

Over five years (from 1991 to 1996), the educational and maritime training services were funded by the Egyptian Ministry of Transport.

In October 1996 modified its title from: "The Arab Academy for Science and Technology: A university specialized in maritime transport."

The AASTMT has obtained the approval of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Universities for considering the holders of the High Seas Second Officer eligible for affiliation with any Egyptian University or any four-year higher education entity which a student can join after high school.

However, due to the flexibility of the current system the AASTMT applies, it opened the door for its officers to obtain the bachelor's degree as well as the eligibility certificate in four years.

Marwa Elselehdar, a graduate of the Department of Maritime Transport and Technology, is Egypt's first female sea captain.