Emirates

Breakbulk Middle East 2022 set to offer project cargo business opportunities

DUBAI, 12th January, 2022 (WAM) — The 2022 edition of Breakbulk Middle East (BBME), the region's largest event for project cargo and breakbulk industry, has piqued the interest of local and global industry stakeholders and attendees. Such support bolsters the event’s prominent reputation and reinforces its importance in driving the progress of the UAE’s and GCC’s thriving breakbulk sector.

Held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the event is scheduled to take place on 1st and 2nd February 2022 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. With a strategic vision to aid the UAE’s and the region’s diversified and sustainable economy, BBME will add immense value by facilitating key collaborations during the event. Additionally, the event also hopes to elevate the trade and logistics sectors in the UAE by underpinning the country’s pioneering efforts that have been instrumental in its recent re-election to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in the Category B membership. The event has thus garnered the support of the region’s top transport and logistics leaders, the UAE government and its top educational institutions.

Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, stated, "As a major contributor to the UAE’s economy, the breakbulk sector is one of the most promising sectors in the country and will continue to hold its leading status, both locally and regionally. In the UAE, we owe our success to the top-notch infrastructure of our ports and the investments made by various organisations in adopting cutting-edge technologies. We have consistently worked to ensure that we provide the best ports and shipping infrastructure for the smooth functioning of the project cargo sector. Hence, our ports have the ability to handle huge volumes of cargo. In 2020, the UAE received 25,000 port calls and our ports handled over 19 million TEU’s. We are now looking to capitalise on these figures in the coming year despite the progressing COVID-19 crisis. We are confident that industry events like BBME will prompt an uptick in business and the post-COVID-19 era will be marked by a strong rebound."

Since the onset of the global pandemic, the project cargo industry in the UAE and the Middle East Region has been on a look out for new growth opportunities. As the industry prepares for a period of recovery, professionals worldwide agree that Breakbulk Middle East is a must-attend event. As one of the leading GCC events, BBME since its inception has been providing visitors and exhibitors an unparalleled experience, facilitating interactions that act as a gateway to future collaborations.

Capt. Mohamed Al Ali, Senior Vice President, Ship Management for ADNOC Logistics and Services, said, "BBME has gathered a lot of expertise from the industry. It's also a very good opportunity for us to network and meet each other and exchange a lot of information. So, I'm quite happy that this event is going to be back.

Breakbulk Middle East Advisory Board member Mohammed Jaber, Chief Operating Officer Abu Dhabi, Managing Director Air and Sea, DSV, said, "I've been attending Breakbulk Middle East since the beginning. Our company finds value during the event by conducting meetings and learning the views of market leaders. We are there to find solutions and to make sure that we are on the right track from an industry point of view, not only as freight forwarders, but as competitors and clients. It's about the code of our business and how we can develop it, address changes on the market, adapt to them, and ultimately, give our end users what they want."

Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, said, "The last few years have revealed that the industry is in dire need for a highly-skilled workforce. At AASTS, we take pride in being able to bridge the talent gap in the industry by offering the required training and guidance to students and industry professionals. Our long-standing association with BBME has further helped us in the endeavour of spreading awareness about the logistics sector and the several opportunities in it. This year, in the capacity of sponsor and exhibitor, we hope to inspire and encourage students to be a part of this vital sector."

Ben Blamire, Event Director of Breakbulk Middle East said, "Breakbulk Middle East is one of the first major industry events of 2022. It is indeed a great opportunity for stakeholders to boost the position of their company and showcase their capabilities in front of the region’s most influential project cargo decision-makers. Several major ports and terminals, project forwarders, maritime transport providers, equipment and road transporters from the region will be a part of the event that will highlight opportunities in the sector. With over 4,000 industry professionals and key leaders in attendance, the event will provide a platform to drive change in the industry through collaborations and partnerships."

Featuring panellists from across the board, the 2022 edition will host key discussions about the developments in the industry. BBME’s recognised initiatives Women in Breakbulk and Education Day are also part of the comprehensive agenda.

Emirates

Hamriyah and Deira ports record AED 12.133b in customs declaration value for first nine months of 2023

Dubai Customs plays a crucial role as the frontline defense for community security, consistently advancing its customs centers to safeguard and facilitate maritime trade. H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, CEO of
Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, recently visited Creek Customs Center, Deira Port, and Hamriyah Port Customs Center to evaluate progress and oversee ongoing efforts for continuous customs service development. During this visit, several executive directors, department heads, and customs center managers were present.

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, accompanied by Rashid Al Dhabah Al Suwaidi, Acting Director of Seae Customs Centers Management, conducted inspections at Khor Customs Center, Deira Port, and Hamriyah Port Customs Center. Managers Abdulaziz Ibrahim Al Salman and Majid Salem Al Tawilah provided insights into workflow progress and accomplishments. Over the first nine months of this year, 62,454 customs declarations were processed, totaling AED 12.133 billion, with 19 seizures recorded during the same period. A visit to Hamriyah Port Customs Center showcased an advanced container X-ray inspection device, supporting increased inspection operations.

Subsequently, visits to Khor Customs Center and Deira Port highlighted achievements, including a notable seizure called the “Wheelhouse,” which successfully prevented an attempt to smuggle 243 kilograms of narcotics into the country. Commending customs employees, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih emphasized the pivotal role of maritime customs centers in ensuring community security and facilitating trade. The department collaborates for efficient goods clearance and acknowledges employee efforts
during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to the department’s support for global efforts to revive maritime navigation and international trade.

Musabih clarified that the department’s advanced capabilities in monitoring and inspection enable it to keep pace with the UAE’s rapid foreign trade growth. Supporting Dubai’s economic agenda D33, the department aims to double foreign trade and enhance economic partnerships with key global markets. Efforts to boost customs inspector efficiency continue through training courses, ensuring their ability to thwart smuggling attempts. Continuous development of X-ray scanning
devices and the K9 customs dog unit further enhances contraband control achievements. Rasheed Al-Dabah explained that the forthcoming period will witness the advancement of new initiatives and mechanisms in the realm of inspection and examination. These initiatives are grounded in a forward-looking perspective to introduce cutting-edge technologies utilized in examining maritime transport vessels, wooden ships, and ships engaged in fish trade.

He remarked, “Our endeavors are harmonized to enhance performance in sea customs centers, concurrently focusing on bolstering monitoring, tracking, and technical support activities to yield optimal outcomes through continuous and productive collaboration among all specialized teams within the department. The Customs centers in Deira, Al Khor, and
Hamriyah Port Customs Center shoulder their vital responsibilities in safeguarding society and facilitating maritime trade through Dubai Creek and Hamriyah Port, supporting the ongoing growth of the national economy.”

Emirates

Dubai Customs Hosts Sharjah Housing Delegation to Strengthen Government Communication Ties

Dubai Customs, represented by the Corporate Communication Department, warmly welcomed a delegation from the Sharjah Housing Department. The purpose of the visit was to familiarize the delegation with the duties and responsibilities of the
Corporate Communication Department and its affiliated divisions. The delegation also aimed to explore the awards received by the department, notably the recognition as the Best Government Communication Team in the Sharjah Government Communication Award for 2023.

Khalil Saqer bin Gharib, Director of Corporate Communication Department, along with department managers, extended a cordial reception to the Sharjah Housing delegation, which included Dr. Ahmed Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director of Government Communication, Nada Sivan, Head of the Public Relations and Events Department, and Hamad Saleh Al Hamadi, Head of
the New Media Department. Bin Gharib highlighted the department’s commitment to strengthening communication with government entities to exchange practical experiences and knowledge. The delegation was briefed on Dubai Customs exceptional performance in customs operations and other facets.

The meeting delved into discussions on potential avenues for collaboration, with the Sharjah Housing delegation. Emphasis was placed on the crucial role played by Dubai Customs’ Corporate Communication Department, customs administrations, and centers in ensuring security and safeguarding society. The delegation was presented with an overview of the department’s working mechanisms, awareness campaigns, events, and activities conducted internally and externally, aligning with Dubai Customs esteemed reputation.

Furthermore, the Sharjah Housing delegation acquired an understanding of the best media practices adopted by the Corporate Communication Department, showcasing its outstanding performance in enhancing knowledge and media dissemination to all partners. This has resulted in the department establishing and fortifying relationships with local and international media
entities. The presentation also encompassed the factors contributing to the department’s receipt of the award for the Best Government Communication Team in the Sharjah Government Communication Award.

Dr. Ahmed Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director of Government Communication at Sharjah Housing, expressed appreciation for the efforts of Dubai Customs Corporate Communication Department, acknowledging its excellence and significant contribution to enhancing the department’s standing. Dr. Al Nuaimi affirmed Sharjah Housing’s commitment to fostering ongoing visits and meetings with Dubai Customs, aiming to achieve the highest level of coordination and benefit from the Corporate Communication Departmen’s experience in securing numerous local and international awards.

Emirates

Zayed Sustainability Prize opens submissions for 2025 cycle

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering global sustainability and humanitarian award, has officially announced that the 2025 cycle is now open for submissions. Submissions will be accepted until 23 June 2024 through the Prize’s online portal. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations (NPOs) and high schools with sustainable solutions are invited to submit an entry for consideration in one of the six categories of Heath, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools. Commenting on the launch of the 2025 submissions cycle, H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and COP28 President, said: “Since 2008, the
Zayed Sustainability Prize has honoured the legacy of Sheikh Zayed by fostering inclusive sustainable and humanitarian development around the world. In this decisive decade for climate change, these values are more important than ever. I am optimistic that the Prize will contribute to global climate action in line with the UAE Consensus, which will pave the
way toward an effective response to the Global Stocktake decision.” In response to the pressing climate crisis, and to further support the UAE’s efforts to accelerate practical solutions needed to drive climate action and uplift vulnerable communities around the world, the Prize has increased its funds from US $3.6 million to US $5.9 million. The Prize will reward US $1 million to each winner in the organisational categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action. Within the Global High Schools category, which is split into six world regions, each school can claim up to US $150,000 to start or further expand their project. The six world regions of the Global High Schools category are The Americas, Europe and Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa, Sub- Saharan Africa, South Asia, and East Asia and Pacific. The most recent Zayed Sustainability Prize winners were recognised at an Awards Ceremony held during COP28 UAE. To encourage a broader range of organisations and high schools to participate, the Prize will be accepting submissions in multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese. This will ensure that innovative solutions from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds can be recognised. For the Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action categories, organisations should prove that they are improving access to essential products or services in their targeted communities and are able to implement a long-term vision for better living and working conditions. For the Global High Schools category, projects should be led by students, and must demonstrate innovative approaches to address sustainability challenges. The evaluation of each submission to the Prize consists of a rigorous, three-stage process. First, due diligence is conducted on all submissions to ensure that they meet the Prize’s evaluation criteria of Impact, Innovation, and Inspiration. This identifies the qualified entries and results in the selection of eligible candidates. Following this, evaluations are undertaken by a Selection Committee consisting of category-specific panels of independent international experts. From this shortlist of candidates, the finalists are chosen and then sent to the Prize Jury who unanimously elect the winners across all six categories. Winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize will be announced at an Awards Ceremony during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).