Gulf Maritime Exhibition to be held from April 24th

The event, which has established itself as the region's longest running maritime event, and is held under the Patronage of Sharjah Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, will be in its fourth edition this year.

A total of 150 leading marine companies from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and United States, will be participating in the show.

Gulf Maritime 2006 will feature Deck machinery and other vessel equipment, Docking equipment, Electronics, Communication and navigation systems, Engine and propulsion systems, Fuel and lubricants, Ride control systems, Sound and vibration control systems, Marine interiors, Paints and coatings, latest vessel building designs and technology, equipment for fishing, Offshore support vessels, cargo ships, tankers, tugs, ferries, and patrol boats, Ship repair and port operations products, and Cargo handling services.

'The Maritime industry in the Middle East is currently experiencing a major boom,' said Mr. Saif Al Midfa, Director General, Expo Centre Sharjah.

'This upswing may largely be attributed to rising record oil prices, mega construction projects, expanding trade, and several expected impacting economic reforms that are bound to provide a major boost to the already growing maritime industry in the Middle East,' he added.

'The Middle East, particularly the UAE, is positioning itself as a regional shipbuilding and repairing hub, resulting in a significant surge in demand for all maritime related equipment, machinery and accessories. Gulf Maritime 2006 will be a one-stop sourcing platform that will cater to the complete requirements of the regional maritime industry,'

said Mr. Saif Al Midfa.

The UAE shipbuilding and repairing sector is currently making significant investments with a view to improve its global market share. The most recent being the Safina project that is currently being carried out at the Dubai Drydocks.

Besides focusing on shipbuilding, the new facility will add 10 per cent to the existing ship repair capacity of Dubai Drydocks. Once fully complete, the new plant will account for 20 per cent of Dubai Drydocks' total turnover and will have the capacity to build vessels up to 15,000 to 20,000 dwt, including tankers and container ships.

At present, Dubai's global market share in ship repairing is less than five per cent. Approximately 400 ships are serviced at the Emirate every year.

Gulf Maritime 2006, besides catering to the complete requirements of the regional maritime industry, will feature several product presentations and seminars on the sidelines.

The seminars, besides providing visitors opportunities to interact with key players in the global maritime industry, will witness the launch of several new products and services. The seminars will be complemented by forums where important issues concerning the regional maritime industry will be taken up for discussions by industry associations and maritime companies.

Gulf Maritime 2006 will mainly attract Vessel owners and operators, Ship and boat builders and repairers, Ship chandlers, Classification society and naval architects, Suppliers/Manufacturers/Repairers of engines and propulsion systems, Marine engineers, Suppliers of shipbuilding material, marine equipment and services, and electronic equipment, and Government agencies as visitors from across the region.

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