Dubai to Shore up International Maritime Interest with `Ship and Port Arabia 2005' from September 3-5

The three-day event featuring global maritime players, to be held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC), will project Dubai as a perfect platform for servicing the vast and lucrative Middle East markets with new age marine technologies. Apart from enabling the local shipping industry to access global markets, Dubai is also a major base for procurement.

Highlighting the relevance of the show to the UAE, and to Dubai in particular, Mr. Satish Khanna, General Manager, Al Fajer Information & Services, organisers to the show, said: "The UAE's strategic location between Europe and the Far East, qualifies it as the most favoured choice for multinational companies wishing to tap the lucrative Middle East, sub-continental and African markets. The Middle Eastern market will claim a big chunk of the growth in world container port traffic, which is seen rising by 74 per cent by the end of this decade."

"The `Ship & Port Arabia 2005' is a one-of-its-kind show that offers an insight into this dynamic market, while capturing the innumerable opportunities thrown up by the region's multi-billion dollar maritime industry," he said.

The exhibition will not only showcase latest products and services, but will also provide an ideal environment for networking with professionals and accessing world-class technologies. "Participation in the show will enable delegates to boost brand image, strike new deals and spot new business associates, besides also opening new markets," Mr. Khanna said.

The show assumes significance given that Dubai is considered the principle gateway of re-export and re-distribution, along with channels in Kuwait, Jordan and Oman.

"An estimated US$3.5 billion is being spent on purchases in Dubai's maritime sector. With Dubai's foreign trade growing at 21 per cent a year and the logistics industry leaping ahead at the rate of 15 per cent a year, the Emirate is easily the procurement hub of the Middle East," Mr. Khanna said.

Besides external factors favouring Dubai's maritime status, Mr. Khanna cited the instance of Dubai Maritime City - a 2.5 million square metre artificial peninsula - which will invite large scale involvement of global players.

The UAE on the whole, he said, ranked as the third most important re-export centre in the world after Hong Kong and Singapore. Besides this, UAE Ports are on a major expansion spree, estimated to cost $2.5 billion, which will enhance the country's ability to handle the increasing traffic.

The show is expected to have a wide spectrum of visitors including ship owners, equipment suppliers, ship and accessory manufacturers and logistics professionals. Top executives from the marine fishing industry, shipyards, harbours and port authorities, shipping and trading firms will also attend.

Dubai dominates the shipping industry in the UAE with a 61.3 per cent of import activity and 103 berths. Its activity is distributed between two ports - Rashid and Jebel Ali - the largest port in the country the biggest man-made port in the world. Jebel Ali primarily handles bulk cargo and industrial material used in Jebel Ali Industrial zone. The Port of Fujairah is currently the world's third largest bunkering centre, soon catching up with Singapore and Rotterdam.