DTCM sponsors Seatrade Maritime Middle East 2004

To be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Dubai International Convention Centre (DICC), the Seatrade Middle East is being organized by the UK-based Seatrade International with the support of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, (DTCM), Dubai Ports Authority (DPA) and Dubai Maritime City.

This was announced today at a Press conference held at the Dubai Cruise Terminal by Mr. Jamal Majid bin Thaniah, CEO, Dubai Ports Authority, Mr. Awadh Al Seghayer, Acting Manager, Dubai Cruise Terminal, Mr. Amer Ali, Project Manager, Dubai Maritime City, Ms. Vanessa Stephens, Events Director, Seatrade International, UK, and Mr.Andrew Calahan, Sales Director, Seatrade International, UK.

Mr. bin Thaniah said: "The event comes at a very appropriate time for the regional maritime industry. Cargo volumes have been growing steadily and all sectors of the shipping business are investing to meet the present and projected demand. We at Dubai Ports Authority are looking at a record performance for 2003 in both container handling and general cargo. It is in expectation of sustained growth that we have announced a billion dollar investment in terminal expansion that will, in its final phase, take the port's total capacity to 21.8 million TEUs."

He added: "We expect growth will come not only from a strengthening local cargo base but also from regional development. Surrounding economies in the Middle East and South East Asia are growing exponentially and Dubai is well positioned, as the maritime and trade hub of the Middle East, to be one of the leading centers of this activity."

Mr. Al Seghayer said: "The previous Seatrade conferences and exhibitions helped us to showcase the capabilities and facilities for the different segments of the Maritime industry. The 2004 conference will also provide an ideal opportunity to exchange knowledge about the Maritime industry in general and developments in Dubai in particular. It will also allow the participants networking opportunities."

He said the conference and exhibition will be utilized to showcase Dubai's world-class facilities like the Dubai Cruise Terminal and the new development projects that are expected to help the emirate further consolidate its status on the global scale.

Mr. Al Seghayer said: "The Arabian Gulf holds immense potential for growth in cruise tourism. The event will help attract cruise tourism to the UAE in general and Dubai in particular. Dubai Cruise Terminal, operated by the DTCM, has been a sought-after venue for the cruiser liners from around the world given its world-class facilities and services."

Mr. Amer Ali, Project Manager, Dubai Maritime City, said: "The vision driving Dubai Maritime City is to create a world-class maritime hub that will provide a definitive location for any maritime related business that wishes to tap into the huge potential of this region. Over the past six months, we have begun reclamation of land offshore to construct a 25 million square foot peninsula which will house Dubai Maritime City and its growing customer base."

The conference and exhibition will feature three main sectors: general shipping, cruise tourism, and super yacht solutions. Up to 500 participants from across the world are expected to attend both the events.

The conference sessions will cover shipping investment in the region; port development and container transport; energy transport and the growing importance of LNG; ship repair, equipment and supply; finance for shipping; the growing maritime service sectors of the region; and environmental issues and port state control.

The delegates will be able to examine the region's undoubted potential as a cruise destination, itinerary and port options, maximizing the region as a source market for cruise products, and designing cruise products for the local consumer.

The exhibition will give companies from Europe, North America, the Far East and other places the chance to showcase products and services to local buyers, and at the same time provide regional organizations with the best platform for securing new international business relationships.

Seatrade will undertake a series of missions to encourage strong participation from the Middle Eastern countries and Central Asia.

Organizers said the event has trebled in size, reflecting the dynamic growth of the Middle East's maritime sector.

The exhibition has already secured pavilions from India, Iran, and Pakistan, with others from the Far East and Europe expected to confirm.
The event is supported by Dubai Shipping Agents Association, Indian National Ship-owners' Association, National Association of Freight & Logistics, The Nautical Institute UAE Branch, and UAE National Ship Suppliers Association.