Logistics suppliers target Dubai fair

Working in association with Dubai Logisitics City along with other key supporters such as JAFZA a part of the huge DP World group, the event is predicted to be to be a sell out.

This is not surprising given the shopping list of products and services needed for Dubai's major freight and cargo developments. In addition to Dubai Logistics City, which forms part of the the huge, multi-phase Dubai World Central complex, exhibitors will be targetting numerous other projects being undertaken in Dubai and the surrounding area. Examples include the new Jebel Ali International Airport and the planned nineteen hall, 500,000 square metre Exhibition City. Looking around the region, the whole market for freight and logistics is understandably vast.

Jebel Ali Port alone is set to handle 15m TEUs by 2010 and the new International Airport is being built to handle 12 million tonnes of air freight a year. Add to that the ever increasing regional opportunities in the Gulf area, Iraq and Iran, and its clear that the market opportunity is immense.

It is widely recognised that Dubai's economic success is attributed to its unique position as an international hub for trans-shipment. Acting as the cross roads for freight from the Far East through to Africa and even Europe, in addition to most Middle Eastern markets, the Emirate's ports and airport have served as the platform for for Dubai's global marketing strategy. According to Messe Frankfurt, the success of the Materials Handling & Logistics trade fair is a direct reflection of these dynamic factors.

Commenting on behalf of Messe Frankfurt, Amanda Westerman, exhibition manager, said

"We are delighted with the response so far. We're expecting over 160 exhibitors to take part from 25 countries. Major companies like Interroll from France and Link Misr from Egypt have already committed to huge spaces."

In addition to the exhibition, Materials Handling & Logistics will provide a close look at the technological developments that are driving the industry. A programme of seminars is to be presented covering a variety of important issues.