Breakbulk Middle East to return to Dubai next year

Dubai - The UAE will expand the development of local ports with a total investment of Dh157 billion over the coming years

Breakbulk Middle East (BBME) has announced that it will return to Dubai for the third consecutive year and will take place from February 9-10, 2021.
Held under the patronage of Suhail Al Mazrouei, the UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, DP World, UAE Region, will once again serve as the event's Host Port. Breakbulk Middle East has now been organised for six consecutive years, achieving a consistent year-on-year growth. The event's 2020 edition witnessed the attendance of Arab transport ministers and government officials from Syria, Sudan, Egypt, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, as well as 3,444 visitors and 1,663 companies from 72 countries.
Suhail Al Mazrouei 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. With that said, we look forward to witnessing how the sixth annual edition will elevate its service offering even further to provide added contributions to the UAE."
Ahmed Sharif Al Khouri, director general of the Federal Transportation Authority for Land and Maritime emphasised that "the UAE's firm commitment to fostering its shipping infrastructure and functionality involves addressing key points of focus which can be greater 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. The Covid-19 crisis has been impacting every aspect of life and work. The pandemic has also underpinned the need for businesses to be agile to remain competitive. The country has demonstrated in its fight against this pandemic resilience as well its emergency response readiness, and successful planning and action. Now with a gradual return to normalcy, the nation serves as a model for how public and private collaboration is crucial in addressing challenges."
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 emphasised that the country will expand the development of local ports with a total investment of Dh157 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 MD of DP World, UAE Region said: "The UAE has been among the fastest economies in the Mena region to resume commercial activities previously halted to curb the spread of Covid-19. Precautionary measures and safety protocols have been formulated for ensuring business continuity. As port development in the region reaches new heights, capitalising on opportunities is what a successful future will remain dependent upon. We are focusing on supporting businesses with multimodal connectivity through the Jebel Ali hub that offers access to a market of over 3.5 billion consumers."
business@khaleejtimes.com