H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum inaugurates SITL Dubai 2009

The inaugural event was opened by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority & Chairman of the Emirates Group, who welcomed leading logistics and transport companies and shippers from across the globe.

Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation 'Dubai World Central', said in his speech, "Dubai has a strategic plan that has established goals and objectives that directly affect how trade is done in Dubai. One of these goals is to establish Dubai as a global leader in transport and logistics by 2015."

Al Zaffin continued, "Now more than ever, efficiency, productivity and cost savings in logistics and supply chains require collaboration between all the different parties in the chain. It is important for everyone concerned to be aware of the emerging trends and opportunities."

The SITL Exhibition and the Global Shippers Conference will serve as a platform for exploring solutions to challenges facing global shipping industry.

Dick van den Broek Humphreij went on to say, "Big can certainly be beautiful - as the city of Dubai is clearly testament to; but it is not just about the multinational corporations. The majority of people are employed by small companies. Without them, trade and commerce - the lifeblood of society, its prosperity and future well-being would be threatened."

SITL Dubai participants will also benefit from unique services designed to maximize business opportunities such as the hosted buyer program, enabling buyers to establish contacts with vendors with a defined intention to close business deals. Among the buyers are L'Oreal, Elizabeth Arden, Michelin, Abdul Latif Jameel Co.LTD (Toyota), Flowserve.