UAE's road network has registered 100 per cent growth over last six years

According to IRF figures, the UAE has added well over 500 km of roads since 1997.

Mr. Wim Westerhuis, Director General of the International Road Federation said "Everyone is impressed with road developments in the Middle East's wealthier parts: the Emirates and Bahrain, which go hand-in-hand with numerous other construction initiatives, oriented towards both business and tourism. The United Arab Emirates' road network has, according to our figures, virtually doubled since 1997 and is 100% paved".

The IRF also announced that it would make strenuous efforts this year to establish stronger ties with authorities in the Middle East in order to develop a more reliable statistics base for the region.

The IRF is a supporter of ROADEX 2004, the Abu Dhabi International Road Exhibition & Conference that will take place 14-17 March 2004, at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition & Conference Centre. In parallel with the exhibition, the 2nd Gulf Road Conference on Roads will take place 14-18 March 2004 at the same venue. The conference, builds on the success of the 1st Gulf Conference on Roads held in Kuwait in 2002.

"ROADEX 2004 will serve as a leading event for the industry in the Middle East and we hope to use our support of ROADEX 2004 as an opportunity to establish stronger ties with authorities and companies in the Region", added Mr. Wim Westerhuis.

"We are pleased to have the endorsement of world renowned authorities for the event. The support of leading global body's such as IRF to ROADEX 2004 is a strong pointer to the significance of this event to the Roads and related Industry in the region" said Mr. Ahmad H Al Mazrouie, Acting Director General of the General Exhibitions Corporation (GEC).

GEC is organising ROADEX 2004 together with Al Ain Municipality & Town Planning Department, Abu Dhabi Works Department and Abu Dhabi Municipality & Town Planning Department.