Breakbulk Middle East (BBME) 2020, the two-day GCC exhibition on breakbulk and project cargo, kicked off today at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with over 4,000 visitors expected to visit the more than 125 exhibitors at the event.
According to the organisers, this year’s event has attracted a record number of registrations and expectations are high that the fifth edition will reinforce the event’s status as the region’s most effective way to win new project cargo business.
BBME 2020 is being held under the patronage of Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, the UAE Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Federal Transport Authority (FTA) for Land and Maritime, who said: “This year marks the beginning of an important decade for the UAE, with Expo 2020 positioned to be at the forefront of the many milestone achievements that the country expects to accomplish. With regional infrastructure investment rising, optimism is emitting itself from the GCC and Middle East. Accordingly, we will leverage Breakbulk Middle East’s robust representation of the industrial supply chain to build greater momentum into Expo 2020.
Ahmed Al Khouri, Director-General of the Federal Authority for Land and Maritime Transport, added: “The UAE’s firm commitment to fostering its shipping infrastructure and functionality involves addressing key points of focus which can be strengthened. The successful realisation of this concept involves all aspects of the shipping industry, including optimisation of cargo transport, implementing methods of lowering operational costs while still maintaining elite efficiency and establishing programmes, which will properly nurture the next set of maritime professionals that our Emirate will rely on for future decades. Though topical dialogues centred on these areas of focus are essential, attendees who are willing to listen, contribute ideas and advocate change are equally important. Through the years, Breakbulk Middle East has established a notoriety for creating engaging discussion between individuals who can formulate change, and this year’s event should only further demonstrate that.”
Ben Blamire, event director of Breakbulk Middle East, said: “Kuwait is working on $3bn, 157km rail route to connect the UAE and KSA. Saudi Arabia has plans to invest $1.61bn in infrastructure enhancements, resulting in a wider construction spend of $2.43tr. The UAE is responsible for more than 50% of the GCC’s construction spending. All of this clearly indicates that infrastructure potential is currently enormous in the Middle East. With the fifth edition of BBME, key players from these countries, and others in the region, will be able to connect and collaborate towards maximising these prospects.”
Leslie Meredith, marketing director, Breakbulk Events & Media, added: “It’s been a long road to ensure (the) event is as successful as the previous four editions. We are excited for the industry to finally experience the benefits of this preparation. With a thoroughly extensive and topical agenda, highly qualified speakers, a variation of new and innovative event additions, some of the most prominent companies in the world, and major decision makers slated to be in attendance – (the event) will be a great step towards enriching the collective breakbulk industry, (with) all industry leaders and experts present.”