Gulf Maritime 2003 - Remarkable sailing in stormy weather

'We are proud that this was achieved in the present difficult times of the Iraq war and the SARS outbreak in Asia.' Mr Muller further announced that the second editon of this important exhibition will be held from 19 to 21 April 2004 at Expo Centre Sharjah.

Gulf Maritime was in fact, a silver lining in the bleak war clouds that have covered the Middle East skies. Held from 25 to 27 March 2003 at Expo Centre's world-class exhibition complex, the show was jointly organised by Baird Publications of Australia, a leading maritime industry publisher and exhibition organiser and Expo Centre Sharjah, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

Over 90 companies participated in the exhibition, featuring 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 and cargo handling.

A total of 1684 qualified trade visitors plus 447 exhibitors from 40 different countries attended the three day event. Visitors came from Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, France, Greece, India, Iran, Iraq, Japan Kenya, Korea South, Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Sultanate of Oman, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, U.A.E., United Kingdom, and Yemen.

Given this response, it was a highly enriching experience for the exhibitors. The participants were generally impressed by the trade visitor attendace, with 85% of the exhibitors being satisfied with the quality of the visitors at their stands and 79% of exhibitors being satisfied with the attendance of their target groups. A whopping 94% of the exhibitors indicated an intention to return next year for the 2004 edition of the show.

The success of the show was easily reflected in the enquiries received and the volume of business to be finalised. For instance, Mr. Shaban Morshed of Emirates Inflatable Boats, dealing in designing and manufacturing of inflatable boats, expected to conclude deals to the amount of AED 14,680,000. He received over 15 to 20 serious enquiries and was content with his company's participation at the show.

Again, Mr. Pramodh Vellakkat of Radi Holland BV, dealing in marine electronics, navigation communications, was another satisfied exhibitor at the show. He received over 75 to 100 enquiries and was sure of confirming around AED 3,670,000 worth of business.

Also, Mr. Andrew Threlfall, Business Development Manager, of Lamnalco Group, leading offshore service vessel owners, commented, 'Despite the prevailing situation I reckon Baird and Expo Centre Sharjah put on a good show.'

Yet again, Mr. Par Otazus of Asttlleros Zamakano, dealing in ship building, tugs and fishing boats, anticipated finalizing deals worth AED 47,710,000.

The robust amount of business to be concluded drives home the fact that Gulf Maritime was a highly specialised trade show, attracting the right target audience, an essential ingredient of every successful show.

Besides being the industry's premier meeting ground for forging business relationships, the event was also the prime educational opportunity for regional professionals and businessmen. On the sidelines of the show a number of leading commentators and suppliers from the industry conducted one-hour product presentation seminars. These seminars proved a rich, worthwhile educational and networking experience for the event's visitors.

Another major feature was an on-the-water display of a range of boats. These were displayed in a magnificent new aluminium marina created by Seaspray Aluminium Boats, a local UAE company, through its subsidiary Gulf Marinas LLC.

The exhibition had 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, it 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. participating.

To be sure, the next edition of Gulf Maritime, which will be held from19 to 21 April 2004, is all set to sail even further and continue its role as the Arabian Gulf's premier exhibition and conference for the commercial, government and military maritime world.

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