Logistics trade fair gateway to Gulf's booming freight markets

With 120 exhibitors from 22 countries already signed up to take part in the 15-17 May event held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the show promises to bring to the region the latest and most innovative solutions for materials handling and logistics.

According to Amanda Westerman, Group Exhibitions Manager at Epoc Messe Frankfurt, the show is an exclusive trade event for freight, cargo, logistics, distribution, warehousing, airport and ports, construction and manufacturing industries. "Dubai is globally recognised as the Middle East's fastest growing import and re-export market, making it the regional centre for trade fairs and commerce with its commercial ties covering virtually all five continents and nearly 190 countries".

Dubai Ports Authority with the Jebel Ali Port and Port Rashid rates amongst the top 20 largest container terminals in the World. Jebel Ali Port is the largest man-made port in the world. "Over 100 international shipping lines service the twin terminals of Jebel Ali and Port Rashid and 60% of all cargo handled is for trans-shipment. Dubai is the distribution hub of the Arabian Gulf and is one of the fastest growing distribution centres in the World," explained Ms Westerman.

With current statistics showing Dubai's imports surged by 20% to a record $29.6 Billion in 2003 and re-exports jumped to $10.27 Billion in 2003 from $8.06 Billion in 2002, the demand for logistics and supply chain services is increasing at comparable rates. Testament to this, are the forests of tower cranes building the emirate's new airports, freight terminals, seaport facilities and warehouses.

One example of this is Dubai airport's huge re-development and expansion. Whilst the new $650m+ passenger terminal is an obvious example, the airport's $200m re-development of their Cargo Village provides further evidence.

Additionally, the construction of the new airport city in Jebel Ali, due to commence in February will create the largest air-sea logistics and transportation centre of its kind in the Middle East according to officials. The project will cover 140 sq kms, have an airport with a capacity for 120 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo. The dramatic growth of Dubai has fast tracked the commencement of this project, which was due to begin in ten years time. In all conservative estimates indicate that over US $1 Billion will be spent on the ports, airport and free zone.

Materials Handling and Logistics exhibition includes multi-modal freight and cargo equipment, logistics, systems, technology & services, cranes, hoists, conveyors, warehousing systems, equipment & technology, ports, airports, terminals and free zones equipment and systems, commercial vehicles; insurance, fork lift trucks and attachments; security systems, tyres, batteries and much more.

"We are very pleased to have won the support of various Departments and Associations such as Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai and the Dubai Ports Authority; the UAE Contractors Association; the National Association of Freight and Logistics; and the Materials Handling Technology Association, VDMA."

The Show has attracted some of the biggest names in the industry, regionally and globally, with 6 national pavilions expected from 6 countries. Exhibitors include FAMCO's Storage and Handling Solutions, Siemens, Zerwa, Span I.T and Automation Solutions, SSI Schaefer Middle East and Al Shirawi Enterprises.

FAMCO has been exhibiting at Materials Handling and Logistics exhibition since its inception, explained Mr Stuart Arbuckle, Divisional Manager, Storage and Handling Solutions Division. "We offer a complete solution to materials handling and logistics, including shelving, racking, office partitioning, archiving solutions all the way through to fully automated warehousing systems", explained Mr Arbuckle.

"Exhibiting at Materials Handling and Logistics allows us to showcase our latest solutions to our customers in the one place, instead of taking them to the various warehouses. We will showcase the latest Linde fork-trucks, conveyor belt systems, automated warehouse doors and much more."

But the most exciting part of the 120sqm FAMCO exhibition stand is a celebrity Guiness Book of Records breaker, Mr Mark Crooks, world known for pulling 14 trucks and a 747 jumbo jet. "Mr Crooks is the epitome of synergy to strength, which is exactly what FAMCO is all about," said Mr Arbuckle. Will he be pulling trucks at the show?

"He will be tearing yellow pages in one go as well as bending six inch nails...we've left the truck pulling for another time. His presence at our stand is sure to attract a lot of excitement," said Mr Arbuckle.

FAMCO will also be launching the latest Constructor Group "pick-to-light" conveyor system. "This is the latest and most efficient paperless picking system which is sure to attract a lot of warehouse managers.

"Materials Handling and Logistics Exhibition and Conference is a healthy platform for the industry. It helps raise awareness to alternative systems and concepts, which is exactly what FAMCO will be doing this year.

Zerwa Middle East Trading, another exhibitor, is a global electronics company serving industrial markets with professional electronic equipment within the Middle East region. The company plans on introducing a new product line called Shockwatch USA. These products allow monitoring the way goods are stored, handled, transported and shopped to prevent damage. "Damages monitored by Shockwatch products are impact, drop, tilt, vibration, temperature variations and humidity variations," explained Jacquelyn Dunand, Managing Partner, Zerwa Middle East Trading.

"We are participating at Materials Handling and Logistics Exhibition for the first time this year as we believe this is the perfect way to get the word out that we have a product that will help reduce damage to shipping goods. We hope to generate the maximum amount of business for a market we will be meeting face to face," Ms Dunand concluded.