Dubai to host freight and cargo equipment exhibition

The Materials Handling Exhibition and Conference, the Middle East's leading event for freight and cargo equipment, will take place at the Dubai World Trade Center from January 20 to 22, 2003, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates airline.

Organised by Epoc Messe Frankfurt, the Middle Eastern venture of the world's third largest trade fair organizer, the 2003 Materials Handling Exhibition and Conference will have enhanced participation from leading players specializing in equipment for freight, cargo logistics, distribution, warehousing, airports and ports, construction and manufacturing.

"The Materials Handling Exhibition, coming at a time when the entire Middle East and neighbouring regions are experiencing all-round development, promises to showcase the most advanced equipment and solutions for the freight and cargo sector," said Michael El Nayal, Managing Partner, Epoc Messe Frankfurt.

The Materials Handling exhibition attracts visitors from the Arabian Gulf states, the Middle East, North Africa, Iran, the Indian Subcontinent and former Commonwealth of Independent states (CIS). Typical visitors include representatives from airports, ports, cargo villages, free zones, freight and cargo companies, logistics operators, courier firms, warehouse operators, construction companies and manufacturing firms.

"The Materials Handling exhibition provides a strategic platform for suppliers of freight and cargo equipment to target potential customers in a region that is bursting with developmental projects," said El Nayal. "Several airports are being expanded or redeveloped, cargo complexes are being set up and free zones are sprouting everywhere, creating a huge market for materials handling. The demand for logistics and supply chain services has witnessed a phenomenal growth in the region. The Materials Handling exhibition is poised to make far greater impact compared to the previous years."