Dubai to host 12th Routes forum in September

The event, to be held at the Dubai International Convention Centre under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group, is the world's leading airport-airlines networking event dedicated to the development of new air routes.

Commenting on the event, Sheikh Ahmed said,

"It is very apt that the global aviation industry's most important forum, which brings together airports and airlines, should come to Dubai, the regional trade and business, and indeed, aviation hub and the emerging global commercial and tourism centre."

He noted that Dubai's hosting of this prestigious forum is part of DCA's strategy and vision for the future. "Routes and Dubai go back a long way. We have participated in the forum the past eight years, and have won seven awards under various categories," he said. Sheikh Ahmed said that forum is an opportunity for Dubai to present the Dubai World Central as the future global hub to a range of airlines such as network and low cost carriers, regional operators, cargo as well as charter airlines. He added "As the host for the event, we are confident of its huge success and many fruitful closures.

Anita Mehra Homayoun, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communication at DCA, said, "It is a matter of prestige for us that we are hosting this forum. It is an opportunity for us to network with all kinds of carriers to promote Dubai International Airport, as well as draw their attention to Dubai World Central project."

She said that Dubai's hosting of the Forum shows the significance the city holds for the global air travel and tourism sectors, as well as its reputation as a major player in the MICE industry (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions). Expressing satisfaction with the preparations for the event, she noted that the DCA had formed a special team from its various departments to ensure the forum will enjoy great success in bringing together airports and airlines.

Airlines and airports are joined at Routes by third parties with a vested interest in air service development, such as tourism and economic development authorities. The event, in its twelfth year, is anything but conventional in its approach. It comprises pre-arranged, formal, one to one meetings between representatives of airlines and airports, interspersed with social occasions designed to create further informal networking opportunities. Over 20,000 meetings were scheduled prior to the event in Copenhagen in September 2005.

Routes Dubai 2006 is attracting airports and airlines from across the globe and over 2,500 delegates are expected to attend the event.