Port development throughout the Middle East, which is claiming billions of dollars, will be the focus for an upcoming Arab ports and maritime summit in Abu Dhabi.

The inaugural World Ports & Trade Summit (WPTS) will take place from March 28 to 31 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

“With literally billions of dollars being spent on port development throughout the Middle East, the summit is an excellent opportunity to enhance collaboration on the overall Arab ports and maritime agenda,” said Sheikh Sabah Jaber Al Ali Al-Sabah, chairman of Arab Seaports Federation (ASPF), which has confirmed its participation in WPTS.

“The industry needs a global event to sound check business initiatives, promote current projects, and discuss issues and solutions for the industry. WPTS provides this international arena.”

The federation will use the summit as a platform to continue its support and to facilitate the business opportunities and growth throughout regional ports and the international maritime industry.

The ASPF is organising a dedicated theatre within the exhibition, which will host eleven in-depth presentations from Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, UAE, KSA, Jordan, Sudan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and Syria.

Sponsored by National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), the event will feature experts from around the region addressing delegates on the latest developments at their respective seaports and related countrywide infrastructure projects.

“Since its inception in 1968, NBAD has been playing a significant and leading role in the economic development of the UAE,” said Mark Yassin, senior general manager of NBAD's corporate and investment banking division.

“Sponsoring WPTS further confirms the Bank's commitment to serving and building Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE by supporting milestones events and financing projects in different economic sectors to achieve Abu Dhabi Vision 2030."

Tawfiq Yousef Al Mubarak, executive vice-president – ports unit, Abu Dhabi Ports Company, said: “The industry is experiencing phenomenal demand-led growth. Public and private sectors are aware that a strong port network and infrastructure boosts trade volumes, accelerating economic recovery.”

“Therefore the summit will act as a platform to redefine strategies, to capitalise on trade growth opportunities, to review the latest trends and to debate regulatory and operational issues,” he added.

Chris Fountain, managing director of event organisers Turret Media, said: “The participation of the Arab Seaports Federation reflects its commitment to drive industrial development and economic growth. Their members and other industry professionals will mutually benefit from the unrivalled information exchange.”

The leading regional port authorities exhibiting at the summit include; Qatar’s Ras Laffan Port, the world's largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporting port, Dubai Ports World and Ras Al Khaimah port.

In addition, Abu Dhabi Ports Company will be presenting its plans for Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi. – TradeArabia News Service