Fourth Edition of Gulf Maritime to be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from April 24th, 2006

Held under the Patronage of Sharjah Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, the event will be in its fourth edition in the coming year.

The exhibition will be bigger both in terms of number of exhibitors as well as occupied space with more than 180 leading marine companies from 28 countries participating in it.

Gulf Maritime 2006 will showcase the latest vessel building designs and technology, equipment for fishing, offshore support vessels, cargo ships, tankers, tugs, ferries, patrol boats, all types of ship repair and port operations products, and cargo handling services.

"Gulf Maritime is the region's longest running maritime exhibition. Over the last three editions, the event has established itself as a very effective platform for global marine companies that are looking to either penetrate the highly lucrative Middle East maritime industry or enhance the scope of their existing maritime ventures in the region,"

said Mr. Fasahat Ali Khan, Acting Director General, Expo Centre Sharjah.

"The regional maritime industry is currently experiencing an upswing due to several factors including rapid expansion of Gulf economies, high oil prices, increased regional trade, new opportunities due to the opening of the Iraqi market among others," said Mr. Khan.

Mr. Khan further said that the exhibition provided the regional maritime industry with the perfect networking and sourcing opportunity.

The Gulf's maritime sector generates over Dh3.67 billion (USD $1 billion) worth of business annually.

The last edition of Gulf Maritime, which was held in April 2005, attracted a total of 2401 trade visitors from the maritime industry. Apart from the GCC countries, which accounted for the major chunk of visitors (1,263), buyers also came from Algeria, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Kenya, Nigeria, Peru, Sudan and Yemen.

Like in the last edition, Gulf Maritime 2006 will witness companies from several new countries making their debut at the show.

The Gulf Maritime exhibition has an exhibition retention rate of over 95 %. Several exhibitors from the last edition have already enhanced their participation for the 2006 edition.

A major highlight of Gulf Maritime 2006 will be the product presentations and seminars that will be held on the sidelines. The seminars will address crucial issues currently facing the regional maritime industry.

Gulf Maritime is organised by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.