Gulf Maritime inaugurated at Expo Centre Sharjah

The exhibition will be open until 21 April 2004.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by directors of various government departments, board members of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, senior executives from Baird Publications Australia, 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.

The exhibition features over 150 companies from 23 countries, an increase of around 50% over the show's first edition. The companies have on display 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 at the inauguration, 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.

Commenting on the port development activities in the UAE, Mr. Midfa said, "A comprehensive plan is underway for the development of Mina Zayed and other affiliate ports over a 20-year-period from 1993 to 2013 at a total cost of Dh 2.8 billion (US $765 million). The long-term plan from 2000 to 2013 has begun. Some of the major projects under the 10-year development plan includes a reconstruction of berths, dredging, construction of new buildings and workshops and cold storage. At the same time, the Sharjah Port Authority, which is one of the main sponsors of Gulf Maritime, is doubling the size of its main Arabian Sea container port Khor Fakkan. This, in addition to ongoing major developments at its ports on the Gulf side."

"Gulf Maritime 2004," he said, "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. Fasahat Ali Khan, Deputy Director General of Expo Centre Sharjah said, "The exhibition is a complete maritime event; it will not only serve as an effective platform for the show's participants to enlarge the scope of their businesses in this region, but will also act as a comprehensive networking, sourcing and educational opportunity for the regional industry. A comprehensive seminar programme is being held alongside the show on 20th and 21st April, featuring speakers who will introduce revolutionary technology and address the burning issues facing the industry.