Demand for logistics spaces remains buoyant, says Ibrahim Al Janahi
Jafza showcases recent infrastructure developments at the Materials Handling Middle East Exhibition
Dubai's logistics industry continues to post robust growth compared to the rest of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, as confirmed by a recent report done by CB Richard Ellis Inc.
Jafza Chief Commercial Officer, Ibrahim Mohammed Al Janahi stated that traders are increasingly seeking value-added and economical logistics solutions; as a result demand for logistics spaces in the free zone continues to grow at a steady pace. “Consumer goods, pharmaceutical, apparel, and electronics sectors are seen as main drivers of the robust growth of the logistics markets in Dubai and Jafza in 2009,” he said commenting on the main reasons of the growth in demand for logistics space in Jafza while talking with industry leaders at the opening of the Materials Handling Middle East Exhibition. The exhibition is being held from May 31 to June 2, 2009, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Speaking about Jafza's status as a significant regional business centre, Al Janahi said: “By offering global companies world-class infrastructure facilities to effectively manage their supply chains, Jafza has become the region's most important trading and redistribution hub and one of the main economic drivers of the nation. Foreign trade through Dubai’s free zones alone increased by 29 percent in 2008 compared to the previous year, rising from Dhs237.7 billion to Dhs307 billion."
As an exhibitor at Materials Handling Middle East, Jafza will be presenting to visitors and other participants its newly conceptualised warehouses, showrooms, light industrial units and built-to-suit office spaces created to facilitate companies manage their supply chain in the region and expand their global operations efficiently.
Explaining why the Jafza model has been successful, Al Janahi said: "Customers are looking for efficient multimodal logistics infrastructure, safety, security, transparency and ease of doing business, all of which Jafza has been providing successfully year after year. Innovation is an integral part of our business. We understand our customer needs and provide the right logistics solutions."
Materials Handling Middle East, being held under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, is hosting leading brands in the warehouse, transportation, services and logistics industries from across the globe.
Ms. Elisabeth Brehl, Managing Director of Epoc Messe Frankfurt GmbH, the trade fair organizers said “We are delighted with the industry response. We’re expecting almost 200 exhibitors to take part from 35 countries this year. Jafza is uniquely positioned as an international hub for trans-shipment, driving UAE’s economic success. As a key supporter of the Materials Handling Middle East exhibition and conference, Jafza’s participation will further help to develop a host of new opportunities for anyone associated with materials handling, logistics, automation, and transport in the region.”
Key suppliers and decision makers from throughout the world will be present at the show to complement the needs and requirements of key buyers in the sector. 10,000 visitors are expected to converge in Dubai to participate in this year’s edition of Materials Handling Middle East Exhibition.
