By collaborating with the local government and remaining receptive to customer feedback, Breakbulk Middle East will introduce a number of new initiatives to boost regional and international participation
Dubai – United Arab Emirates_ 4th of Sept. 2019: Under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, the UAE Minister of Infrastructure Development and the Chairman of Federal Transport Authority for Land and Maritime, Breakbulk Middle East (BBME) is striving to continually increase the presence of both visitors and exhibitors from the wider Middle East and African region.
With the comprehensive two-day conference and exhibition scheduled to make its return to the UAE on the 25th and 26th of February 2020, the event is poised to continue solidifying its position as the largest breakbulk and project cargo event in the GCC. The 5th annual edition will strategically take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre Venue and offer a convenient location of assembly to a wide range of the Middle East region’s key players and top decision makers.
H.E Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, the UAE Minister of Infrastructure Development and the Chairman of Federal Transport Authority for Land and Maritime clarified saying, “Breakbulk is a prestigious, globally organized event, but, its Middle East edition is an exceptional one. The Middle East edition is getting strong, and continuous support from the UAE government, in addition to the participation of many international companies specialized in maritime shipping. The event is taking place in a significant timeslot for the maritime sector in the UAE; as we are being nominated, once again, for the membership of the executive office of the IMO – category B. Therefore, this event will assist in building the future of the sector through the exchange of prominent ideas which helps in enhancing the country’s position globally.
Eng. Ahmed Sharif Al Khouri, General Manager of the Federal Transportation Authority for Land and Maritime, said: “The UAE is exerting great efforts to develop the maritime sector and its’ logistical performance to achieve the UAE Vision 2021. According to the DNVGL report, about $65 billion dollars have been invested in the country's ports in 2018. The Breakbulk Middle East Conference and Exhibition will significantly help in that regard through providing opportunities to develop land and sea transport infrastructure.
Al Khouri added, “The UAE is ranked first among 20 countries in terms of ports tankers’ traffic. The country has a distinctive location at the heart of the Arabian Gulf, enabling it to possess the largest share of the total tankers and cargo traffic in the region by 60%. The event, which attracts participants from more than 75 countries, is an ideal platform to focus on the mega developments and major projects in the infrastructure and the shipping industry.”
Many of the world's biggest contractors – Petrofac, McDermott, SNC-Lavalin and TechnipFMC – who attend BBME, all have projects in Africa. These are the decision makers which the event grants service providers access to, along with the associated government ministries.
Improved Initiatives
In the same manner that the 2019 edition of BBME partnered with the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association Arabia (WISTA Arabia) to introduce ‘Women in Breakbulk Middle East’ for the first time, the 2020 edition will also unveil new initiatives to continue the events’ upwards trajectory.
Ben Blamire, the event’s Commercial Director stated, “Breakbulk Middle East has established itself as one of the more effective ways to make direct contact with logistics and procurement decision makers in the region, and it is the ideal platform to source partners, make connections and launch products. Alongside these tangible benefits, Breakbulk Middle East is also a knowledge sharing venue. With many attendees yearning for more insight into project activity in Africa, we are proud to announce that a focus session is in the works. This addition to the 2020 event agenda will meet the needs of our visitors and exhibitors and aid in our efforts to continue growing Breakbulk Middle East to maximize the region’s success.”
In addition to widening regional participation through new conference topics and outreach to those who do project cargo business across the Middle East and Africa, BBME2020 will see the rollout of a new shipper program: Breakbulk Masters. Designed for project owners (government and private sector), EPCs, industrial manufacturers and leaders from oil & gas, chemicals, mining and metals, Masters brings together key shippers at each Breakbulk event.
Leslie Meredith, Marketing Director of Breakbulk Events & Media elaborated saying, “We are extremely excited to introduce Breakbulk Masters at the 5th edition of Breakbulk Middle East where we see strong government support and the participation of prominent shippers in the region. Breakbulk Masters comes with a compelling list of benefits, most importantly, the opportunity for senior-level shippers to share ideas with colleagues and discover new supply chain partners in this fast growing project market."
Meredith concluded by saying, “We will be opening the door for registration for the fifth edition of the event in October and we welcome all industry leaders and experts to join us by registering through our official platforms.”
To get a free ticket and book your stand, visit the official website: https://www.middleeast.breakbulk.com/Home
