The future of the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent’s maritime industries will come under the microscope at Seatrade Middle East Maritime, the region’s first integrated conference and exhibition for the general shipping and cruise industries, to be held in Dubai next February. Organized by Seatrade, the international maritime communications group, the conference will see industry experts examine issues including energy transportation and fleet expansion in the oil and gas sectors; the growth of bulk cargo movements; container shipping and terminal development; the regional potential for cruise tourism and the conditions and infrastructure needed to encourage its growth, as well as how it will fit into the expanding geography of the cruise industry worldwide. The conference will also highlight the emergence of a maritime service sector in the region, ranging from ship supply, bunkering and ship repair to ship finance and maritime law. The region’s potential, as a source market for cruise passengers, will be reflected in a training program for travel agents. Seatrade, which has 25 years experience of working in the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent, has organized two Seatrade Middle East Cruise Conferences in Dubai in 1999 and 2001. Seatrade Middle East Maritime 2003 will take place from February 3-5, 2003, at Dubai’s Grand Hyatt hotel. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
