Gulf Maritime unfurls at Expo Centre Sharjah

The inauguration ceremony was attended by directors of various government departments, board members of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, members of the diplomatic corps and trade associations, heads of the participating exhibitors and delegation of international and regional businessmen.

Being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and jointly organised by Baird Publications of Australia and Expo Centre Sharjah, the exhibition is a complete industry event on the maritime industry. It features the latest in design, building and equipping of all types of vessels from fishing, offshore support vessels, tankers, tugs, ferries, patrol boats and all types of cargo ships, ship repair and port operations products & services, cargo handling services etc.

Speaking earlier, His Highness, the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah said: "It gives me great pride to extend my full support to Sharjah's first complete maritime event at Expo Centre Sharjah. This event has a special significance for Sharjah, given the Emirate's history as a centre for maritime and fisheries activities in the region.

"Moreover, hand-in-hand with UAE's overall development, Sharjah has been able to put into place a remarkable infrastructure for maritime activities. We envision the Emirate to be the most up-to-date transshipment hub of the Middle East in the near future, and this event is an important leap in that direction," the Crown Prince concluded.

Also, H.E. Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry said, " Sharjah has a long maritime tradition and today has emerged as a major maritime centre encompassing every imaginable kind of marine activity. Gulf Maritime 2003 not only offers regional professionals and businessmen the chance to experience the international maritime industry's latest products and services, but also helps us showcase the unique strengths and characteristics of Sharjah's as well as UAE's ports and maritime facilities."

Speaking on the eve of the show, Mr. Neil Baird, Chairman of Baird Publications and joint organiser of the show said, "Gulf Maritime is larger than any first show we have had before. It has received a strong support from not only the local but also the international maritime industry. This fact, against the backdrop of the ongoing war, reflects the commitment to growth and the high potential that this region has to offer to the maritime industry."

Again, Mr. Michael Muller, Director, Sales and Marketing of Expo Centre Sharjah, sharing his views on the show said, "Gulf Maritime is a highly specialized trade show, which is clearly focused to meet the needs of the maritime industry. In spite of the current circumstances, the modest debut of the show is but an indication to the heights it will reach in the future."

The show has strong support on the governmental level, with sizable participation from organisations such as the Sharjah Ports Authority, the Dubai Dry Docks, Al Jaddaf and the Hamriya Free Zone.

Moreover, the show has also received an enthusiastic response from international and local companies, with such reputed firms as Al Bahar, Al Fanar, Caterpillar, Cummins Diesel, Emirates Inflatable Boats, Exalto Emirates, Gulf Marinas, Gmmos Grandweld, Gulftainer Co. Ltd, Harris Pye, Inter Ocean Ship Repair, Radio Holland, Reintjes Middle East, Riviera Pool Middle East, Sea Spray Aluminium Boats, Sigma Paints, Teignbridge Propellers, ZF Marine Middle East, etc. confirming their participation.

Many of the companies at the show are launching products for the first time in the Middle East region. The new launches include the industry's biggest engine by Cummins Diesel, and new vessels from Sea Spray Aluminium Boats and others, as well as a new product launch by Caterpillar.

A major feature of the Gulf Maritime exhibition is the on-the-water display of a range of crew, fishing and patrol boats and other working crafts. These are on display in a magnificent new aluminium marina created by Seaspray Aluminium Boats, a local UAE company. The marina is located in the lagoon behind Expo Centre Sharjah, a distance of 200 metres from the rear door of the centre.

Besides the comprehensive participation from international and local companies, the event also features a series of seminars to be presented by renowned speakers on various topics.

The exhibition is open from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm everyday on March 25, 26 and 27, 2003.

ends