Bin Sulayem to open region's biggest maritime forum

Jamal Majid bin Thaniah, Vice Chairman, Dubai World will deliver the keynote address at the event's conference at 2pm on December 4.

Among the world's top ten maritime forums, SMEM 2006 is set for its biggest showing so far - a full 33% larger than the 2004 event - with over 250 exhibitors from 32 countries and conference delegates from 45 countries.

"The region's unprecedented maritime growth is reflected in SMEM's evolution as the leading event here for the global industry," said Christopher Hayman, Managing Director, Seatrade.

"This year's event will iron out a state of the industry blueprint. The diverse gathering of global maritime players will probe the region's global maritime hub status."

International experts will address issues from the State of the Industry across the Middle East and Central Asia, Energy Transportation, Dry Bulk, Port Development and Liner Shipping to Finance for Shipping and Ship Repair & Marine Technology.

"The diverse topics will identify new areas of growth and develop strategies that will see regional organisations extend their global footprint," said Hayman.

"Meanwhile, international players will focus on how they can invest and gain a foothold in a region which continually redefines itself to stay ahead in the highly competitive maritime world."

Alongside SMEM's commercial shipping conference will be the Fifth Middle East Cruise Conference. This has attracted representatives from 10 of the world's top cruise lines who will discuss opportunities now opening up for the regional cruise industry. Also up for discussion is the State of the Gulf's SuperYacht industry, in the wake of tremendous growth emerging via new marina and waterfront developments.

Hayman added, "This is the most wide ranging series of conference sessions we have ever hosted, reflecting the importance of the event as a forum for the regional industries."

SMEM 2006 also features first-time national pavilions from Singapore, South Korea, France and Germany. "New exhibitors from different continents add to the event profile as they bring in their expertise and knowledge," commented Hayman.

SMEM 2006 is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

SMEM will also host the third Seatrade Dubai International Maritime Awards (DIMAs), which will be presented at a gala dinner on December 4 at Grand Hyatt Dubai, in which 34 companies have been shortlisted for their achievements.