Ship Port & Arabia 2005 opens

Ship & Port Arabia 2005 supported by Dubai Ports Authority, Saudi Port Authority, Ras Al Khaimah Port, Abu Dhabi Port Authority, and Sharjah Port Authority, is envisaged as a one-stop platform for trade and technology updates across the entire spectrum of the maritime industry.

"In the region, there is need to have more port developments in the wake of the surging trade and growing population which has impacted on the demand scenario," Mr. Butti said.

The exhibition will also feature a `Dubai Shipping & Logistics Conference 2005,' organized by the Dubai Shipping Agents Association starting September 4 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC). Experts and the top brass of leading shipping companies will discuss various issues pertaining to the shipping industry at the conference highlighting the market trends and growth patterns regionally as well as globally.

The exhibition participants include Germany, Korea, Greece, Saudi, Iran, UK, USA to name a few. The exhibition has the support of the Dubai Shipping Agents Association and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).

The show comes at a time when the region's maritime industry is in the midst of a boom phase. The world container port traffic is projected to increase by 74 per cent by 2010 and container terminals in the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent are expected to be areas of under-capacity.