Breakbulk Middle East to return to Dubai next year
Breakbulk Middle East ( BBME) has announced that it will return to Dubai for the third consecutive year. This time, BBME 2021 will take place from Feb. 9 to 10, 2021, under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. DP World, UAE Region will once again serve as the event’s host port. BBME has now been organized for six consecutive years, achieving a consistent year-on-year growth.
The event’s 2020 edition witnessed attendance of Arab transport ministers and government officials from Saudi Arabia, Syria, Sudan, Egypt and Kuwait, more than 3,444 visitors, and the participation of 1,663 companies from 72 countries.
Suhail Al-Mazrouei, UAE minister of energy and infrastructure, said: “Rapid transformation and development has taken place over the course of the last year. In regard to the UAE, some of the country’s most notable changes include having successfully elevated our global and regional maritime standing, drafting a new maritime law to suit emerging needs of the industry, and securing a second consecutive term as a Category-B Member within the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council. Breakbulk Middle East has shown great promise by growing yearly, especially in
Dubai, and producing tremendous results. BBME’s ability to unite industry leaders, promote collaboration, and foster necessary solutions is of great benefit to the entire industrial supply chain.”
Ahmed Sharif Al-Khouri, director general of the Federal Transportation Authority (FTA) for Land and Maritime, said: “The UAE’s firm commitment to fostering its shipping infrastructure and functionality involves addressing key points of focus which can be strengthened greatly. The suc
cessful realization of this concept involves all aspects of the shipping industry, including optimization of cargo transport, implementing methods of lowering operational costs while still maintaining elite efficiency, and establishing programs, which will properly nurture the next set of maritime professionals that our emirate will rely on for future decades.”
Despite the current industry challenges, the UAE is continuing its efforts to increase the country’s competitive role in global trade and the international economy. The FTA has emphasized that the country will expand the development of local ports with a total investment of 157 billion dirhams ($42.74 billion) over the coming years. Moreover, strong collaboration between Breakbulk Middle East and DP World, UAE Region has proved to be advantageous for enhancement of the country’s competitiveness.
Mohammed Al-Muallem, CEO and managing director of DP World, UAE Region, said: “Our breakbulk industry is one of our most promising sectors and we hope to take advantage of this. Moreover, companies who remain competitive in the current market and prioritize innovation are the ones that will excel and enable greater productivity. Breakbulk Middle East has established itself as a proven platform for opening up such opportunities and encouraging values that produce results. This has been a major factor why we consistently support the event and are thrilled to once again collaborate with the aim of creating a brighter future for both the regional and global breakbulk stakeholders.” DP World, UAE Region operates Jebel Ali Port, the largest in the Middle East and the flagship facility of DP World.
Breakbulk Middle East’s ability to unite industry leaders, promote collaboration, and foster necessary solutions is of great benefit to the entire industrial supply chain. Suhail Al-Mazrouei
UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.