Agility, a leading global logistics provider, has been awarded a contract by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec), to manage international freight and provide on-site handling services for three major defence shows in the UAE.

According to the contract, Agility will support and provide the services for the 2017 and 2019 editions of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex), the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (Navdex), and the 2016, 2018 and 2020 editions of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (Umex), said a statement from the company.

The announcement is an immediate outcome of the five-year partnership that Agility Fairs & Events signed with Adnec in August this year towards providing logistics and freight forwarding services to Adnec’s customers, it said.

Agility Fairs & Events is one of the world’s leading exhibition forwarding specialists, handling more than 1,000 major trade fairs, exhibitions, and events each year. Agility’s one-stop shop services include moving aerospace and defence exhibits from all over the world, customs clearance, cargo insurance, exhibit set-up, repacking, and reverse logistics.

As exclusive freight forwarder and on-site handling agent for the three major defence shows, Agility Fairs & Events will assist exhibitors and their contractors with logistical requirements and with shipment of exhibits to and from the events, it added.

Adnec offers 133,000 sq m of inter-connected floor space to match the expectations of a wide variety of events and exhibitions. Equipped with modern facilities and built to international standards, the venue attracted 1.6 million people across 327 events in 2014.

Elias Monem, CEO, Agility Middle East and Africa, said: “Agility works with our global customers to boost their competitiveness through highly efficient and cost-effective logistics solutions.”

“Adnec’s notable abilities in hosting world-class conferences and exhibitions will only grow in strength and scope with access to our offerings, which span air, ocean and road freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution, and specialized services for fairs and events,” he said.

“At Navdex, Idex and Umex, exhibitors will benefit from our capabilities in the special handling of defence and aerospace equipment, including aircraft of various sizes, jet engines, cockpit mock-ups, flight simulators, tanks, and other military hardware,” he added.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, acting group CEO, Adnec, said: “We are pleased to tie up with Agility to deliver best-in-class logistics services. Over the years, Idex, Navdex and Umex have evolved to become among the largest defence shows worldwide, making freight forwarding an increasingly complex and difficult process given the enormous amount of military equipment showcased at these events. At Adnec, we are committed to ensuring the continued success of our events and best performance of various facilities.”

“I am confident that Agility has the expertise and right resources to handle our detailed requirements in an efficient manner,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service