The event will aid the two countries in their strategic partnership for boosting economic ties and developing opportunities for trade and growth

9th of January 2019:   Breakbulk Middle East (BBME), a yearly conference gathering top industry leaders and experts from around the world, will be reiterating its goal of enhancing economic collaboration between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The event, held under the patronage of  Dr.Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, the UAE Minister of Infrastructure Development and the Chairman of Federal Transport Authority for Land and Maritime, will be taking place in Dubai for its fourth edition from 11th  February to 12th February 2019, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.  It will aim to highlight the major issues related to the industry aspiring to unite key players in breakbulk and project cargo sector. 

The breakbulk industry plays a vital role in accomplishing major developments for the maritime sector. BBME 2019 will play a vital role in assisting UAE and Saudi Arabia further in strengthening  the ‘Strategy of Resolve’ and carrying out fundamental transformations from a dependence on natural resources to more diversified and viable economies.

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, “The upcoming edition of Breakbulk ME is taking place in a strategic era that can prove to be crucial for key industry players to utilize for boosting economic growth. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have unified visions that aim for building stronger ties in accordance with objectives of Gulf Cooperation Council. BBME endorses the aim of the Strategy of Resolve, helping both countries in aligning their interests and economies to build a better future for their people.”

Eng. Ahmed Al Khouri, Director General of the Federal Transport Authority for Land and Maritime commented, “Doing business in the current era demands innovation, excellent connectivity and infrastructure. The UAE has a clear and comprehensive vision to diversify its economy and achieve an optimal balance between its various sectors to ensure sustainability and create new business opportunities. That’s why, we appreciate the value of Breakbulk Middle East on emphasizing the importance of UAE’s collaboration with Saudi Arabia to further enhance the maritime sector. The maritime sector still has tremendous potential and promising opportunities by building ideal clusters that serve the overall economy growth cycle.”

A well-structured agenda for industry leaders

One of the major topics of the event’s agenda is emphasizing the diversification in Saudi Arabia and its Vision 2030. The sessions at the event will give insights into regional infrastructure projects and government expansion for gaining independence from oil & gas. This will further provide opportunity for stakeholders to bring forth innovative solutions, which can prove to be beneficial for both countries.

Rayan Qutub, CEO of King Abdullah Port highlighted, “Breakbulk Middle East represents a platform that brings significant value to the industry and can therefore be very effective in reinforcing collaboration between UAE and Saudi Arabia upon shared goals for maritime advancement.”

Qutub added, “Since its inception, King Abdullah Port has made a steady progress toward meeting its goal of becoming a main hub and a vital contributor to the Kingdom’s regional and global role in trade, logistics and shipping. As the first privately owned and operated port in the Middle East, King Abdullah Port has become an example of a successful collaboration between the public and private sectors; stimulating the logistics and maritime trade sector for raising competitiveness in the Kingdom. In addition to the fact that the Kingdom is one of the largest economies in the world and is a member of the Group of 20 countries; the  King Abdullah Port helps to accelerate the export and import capabilities in the Kingdom, handling a major amount of breakbulk, with cargo including steel, cement and timber.”

Abdullah Aldubaikhi, CEO of Bahri explained, “The UAE and Saudi Arabia play an extremely important role contributing to the nations’ GDP and future advancement. The development and establishment of maritime sector can prove to be key drivers for growth in both countries. We at Bahri are committed towards achieving the Vision 2030 through ambition and innovation ensuring the nation’s economic growth to join the world’s top economies.”

Aldubaikhi added, “The UAE and Saudi Arabia represent the two largest GCC economies. The combined GDP of the two countries is about $1.1 trillion, equal to about 70 percent of GCC GDP and 43 percent of the combined economies of the 22 members of the Arab League. Both countries have thriving economies and ambitious future projects in the pipeline. We believe that Breakbulk Middle East 2019 will help decision makers and other industry key players explore the emerging trends in the breakbulk industry and project cargo business. We are looking forward for our participation to discuss effective strategies to future-proof the sector.”

BBME’s conference and expo is expected to attract participants from more than 52 countries from all sectors of the project cargo and break-bulk industry, reflecting the high international interest in project development within the GCC.