Middle East Logistics Awards 2009 celebrates best in logistics industry across region

Dubai Industrial City, a member of Tatweer and the leading industrial hub of Dubai, was the platinum sponsor of the Awards night that saw key logistics individuals converging to honour individuals and companies for their excellence in performance. Rashed Al Ansari, Vice President, Dubai Industrial City, presented key awards during the third edition of the event.

Ram Menen, Senior Divisional Vice President of Emirates Sky Cargo, bagged the Prestigious Hall of Fame award.

The Personality of the Year awards for Air, Land and Maritime categories went respectively to Fahad A. Hammad, Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Airlines Cargo, Saudi Arabia; Jinendra Sancheti, Managing Director, TNT Express, Gulf, Middle East & Africa; and Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Vice Chairman, DP World, Dubai.

Speaking on the occasion, Rashed Al Ansari underlined the vital importance of 'planning and implementation' as key components of any successful logistics operation, citing the historically commercial importance of logistics in a highly networked global trade.

Al Ansari added, "Dubai is making substantial infrastructural investments, transforming itself into a major logistics hub that is attracting an increasing share of global players from the industry and placing itself at the forefront of the market as an ideal location for business.

"Dubai Industrial City is proud to sponsor the third edition of the MELA ceremony which celebrated excellence, a key feature that is emphasised at the 560 million square feet light and medium industrial township," he added.

Welcoming the gathering, Aleem Aziz, CEO, MELA Executive Office and Vice President, Media One, reaffirmed the quest to honour the 'heroes' of the logistics industry would continue with plans in place to rotate the award ceremony across the Middle East region.

He added, "Audited by international consultants Horwath Mak, the awards not only foster healthy competition but also bring about cohesiveness in the logistics industry, which is witnessing unrivalled growth."

The award for Best Innovator of the Year went to the Economic Zones World, Dubai; The Best Airport (cargo terminal) was won by Dubai Cargo Village, Dubai Airports; Best Express Operator went to FedEx Express Middle East, while the Best Air Cargo Carrier was awarded to Emirates SkyCargo.

Best Air Charter Operator was given to Midex Airlines, UAE; and DP World Jebel Ali won Best Seaport and Best Container Terminal. Maersk WCA was judged as Best Shipping Line, while Best Road Hauler was awarded to Al Majdouie Logistics Group, Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Railways Organisation, Saudi Arabia won the Best Rail Operator, and Best Exporter was awarded to Dubai Aluminium Co. (Dubal). The top honours for Best Importer was won by Al Futtaim Group, UAE.

The Best Logistics Service Provider (BLSP) award was won by Agility ME and the category of BLSP for Perishable Logistics went to Gulf Agency Company (GAC). Best Logistics Park (Air) was given to Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ), while the Best Logistics Park (Sea) was awarded to Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA). Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone, UAE was selected Best Emerging Free Zone while HSBC Bank Middle East won the final award of the night for Best Trade Finance Bank.