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The future of the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent’s maritime
industries will come under the microscope at Seatrade Middle East
Maritime, the region’s first integrated conference and exhibition for
the general shipping and cruise industries, to be held in Dubai, next
February.
Organised by Seatrade,
the conference will see leading industry experts examine critical
issues including energy transportation and fleet expansion in the
oil and gas sectors; the growth of
bulk cargo movements; container shipping and state-of-the-art terminal
development; the regional potential for cruise tourism and the conditions and
infrastructure needed to encourage its growth, as well as how it will fit into the
expanding geography of the cruise industry worldwide.
The conference will also highlight the rapid emergence of a
sophisticated multi-dimensional maritime service sector in the region,
ranging from ship supply, bunkering and ship repair to ship finance and
maritime law. The region’s potential, as a source market for cruise
passengers, will be reflected in a training programme for travel agents.
Running alongside the conference, the exhibition will be the biggest
showcase of maritime related products and services ever assembled in the
Middle East.
"The Middle East and Indian Subcontinent is the only region of the world
without its own world class maritime event," said Christopher
Hayman, Managing Director, Seatrade.
"At a time of unprecedented growth in maritime commerce we feel this is
exactly the right time for this event, which will focus international
attention on the region and its potential."
Seatrade Middle East Maritime will be held under the patronage of His
Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai,
UAE Defense Minister and Chairman, Government of Dubai Department of
Tourism and Commerce Marketing.
The main sponsors of the conference and exhibition are the Dubai Ports
Authority and the Government of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce
Marketing, with support sponsorship from ABS, Al-Jadaf, Grand Hyatt
Dubai, Instone International, GAC and Transas Telematics. The event also
has the support of the Dubai Shipping Agents’ Association and the UAE
National Ship Supplies Association.
"This event is the ideal opportunity for industry professionals to
exchange information, discuss new developments and analyse dynamic
trends in the maritime industry," said Mohammed Sharaf, Commercial
Director, Dubai Ports Authority.
"This will improve strategic decision-making power and ultimately
affect the direction and competitive edge of their business. In turn
this will translate into further growth and development of the region’s
maritime sector."
Seatrade, which has 25 years experience of working in the Middle East
and Indian Subcontinent has already successfully organised two Seatrade
Middle East Cruise Conferences in Dubai in 1999 and 2001.
"This conference provides an ideal platform for us to network with other
leaders in the cruise business and to showcase our cruise terminal and
Dubai's attractions to a high-profile target audience," said Awadh Al
Seghayer, DTCM Manager Heritage Sites and Events, (who is also in charge
of cruise tourism).
"Dubai is leading the way forward in developing cruise tourism in the
region and operates the only dedicated cruise facility in the Arabian
Gulf.
"By hosting major events like this, Dubai plans to secure the future of
cruise tourism in the region," added Al Seghayer.
Seatrade Middle East Maritime 2003 will take place from February 3-5,
2003, at Dubai’s Grand Hyatt hotel. |
