Reed Exhibitions has announced the launch of the Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (Galf) in Dubai, which aims to become a leading platform for airport leaders to address global challenges and encourage cross-border partnerships.

Galf will act as an industry meeting to generate solutions that can help airport CEOs, decision-makers and experts from around the world to overcome their common challenges, a statement from the company said.

It is set to be held from May 7 to 8 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, collocated with the 13th Airport Show.

A supreme committee has been formed to guide and oversee the forum chaired by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, with heads of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports, Emirates Airline Group, dnata, Dubai World Trade Centre and Reed Exhibitions as members.

“The aviation sector represents one of the region’s main economic pillars and billion-dollar investments aimed at developing the airports and air carriers across the GCC will strengthen the region’s presence on the international air transport map,” Sheikh Ahmed said. “This forum will enable decision makers to convene in one venue to share airport industry updates, as well as identify future challenges.”

Anita Mehra, vice-president, marketing and corporate communications, Dubai Airports, and coordinator of the supreme committee, said: "Galf will be an ideal platform for experts and officials to address important matters such as policy development, sustainability, deliverance of stakeholder value and other issues relevant to the airport sector. This forum is also sure to further boost the record of Dubai in hosting spectacular conferences and exhibitions.”

Daniyal Qureshi, event director at Reed Exhibitions Middle East, organisers of the Airport Show in Dubai, said: “The airports sector is a strategic economic sector and this event, which combines an innovative exhibition and an international forum in one venue, offers a unique opportunity for decision makers to review best practices, upgrade their performance, and increase their effectiveness in making air-travel a remarkable experience for passengers.”

“The Airport Show has always supported the airport industry in the region and enabled decision makers to review the most modern techniques and equipment,” he added. “The Global Airport Leaders’ Forum will create remarkable momentum for the show and the airports sector as a whole.” – TradeArabia News Service