Opportunities in Qatar to be discussed at Middle East Port Development 2009 conference, 2-3 February 2009

Meed's Middle East Port Development 2009 is the leading forum for the latest information and discussion about the region's port industry.

The event hosts the industry's key decision makers, providing insight into major project and commercial opportunities, and updates on existing expansion strategies across the Middle East.

This event explores the driving forces of future growth, emerging opportunities and solution focused approaches to the key operational issues for all port types.

The Middle East's port industry has experienced phenomenal growth in recent times, which has largely been supported by the world's demand for oil and gas. Despite the global economic downturn, the region still hosts one of the most dynamic global port and maritime centres. The conference will present news from the region's markets that are moving forward with contributions from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Morocco to name a few.

The global need for new and expanded coastal facilities has risen dramatically in the last decade due to growing commercial, industrial and recreational needs.

Ports, and their development, are a vital element in international trade and are a key factor in creating cohesion in the region. Maritime transport carries the bulk of the world cargoes and is considered the most environmentally efficient mode of transportation. Successful port development is an essential factor in ensuring the dynamism and economic growth of whole regions.

The agenda at Middle East Port Development 2009 will include project updates from the UAE, Iraq, Iran, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and Morocco.

Key issues including market supply/demand, the role of the supply chain, the shipper's perspective and port security will also be explored.

Edmund O'Sullivan, Chairman Meed Events said, "Middle East Port Development 2009 is an extremely important event for the industry at this time. Recent years have been ones of boom and successive growth for the Ports Development industry and we are now entering a critical phase in light of the global economic downturn. Ports development is considered the life line of most economies with the importing and exporting of goods throughout the region and indeed the world. As our attendees know from previous years, the opportunity to be kept abreast of the very latest issues, key initiatives, innovative business models and future trends makes this event a highlight for all professionals associated with the Ports industry."

The conference attracts key industry players who detail the most up to date industry developments and expansion plans. This year's conference will be covering the most important issues impacting port operations and offering best practice solutions to promote operational efficiencies.

Presentations will be made by such leading industry experts as Mr Anwar Wajdi, Senior Vice President Corporate Strategy, DP World ; Mohammad Ali Hassanzaddeh, Head of Investment Office, Iran Ports and Shipping Organisation; Mr Lye Seng Tang, COO, Red Sea Gateway Terminal, H.E. Imad Fakhoury, CEO Aqaba Development Corporation; and Eng. Amer Abdul Jabber Ismail, Transportation Minister, Iraq Ministry of Transport.

Commenting on the event, DP World's Senior Vice President - Corporate Strategy, Anwar Wajdi said, "In recent times the region's ports industry has experienced tremendous growth. Meed's events are always an ideal opportunity to hear the latest and most relevant industry information and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to present updates on DP World's activities in this region and our global expansion plans."

This year's programme includes a pre conference masterclass 'Best practice procurement and contracting strategies for new port development/operation' led by senior delegates from Trowers and Hamlins. This innovative workshop will address approaches to procurement, collaborative risk management, contractual options, legal and regulatory structures and measuring performance.

Middle East Port Development 2009 takes place at the Park Hyatt Dubai between 1st and 3rd February 2009 and is supported by DP World. It is a must-attend event for all operational management in the ports and maritime transport sectors and, as is the hallmark of all Meed Events, Middle East Port Development 2009 will offer attendees the opportunity to network with the port industry's leading industry players.