TRANSPORT and logistics experts have converged on Dubai for the inaugural Middle East International Commercial Vehicle Show, where the ‘heavies’ of the automotive world occupy all 20,000 square metres available at the Dubai Autodrome.
The show was officially opened yesterday (Monday, Nov 27) and runs until Thursday.
More than 60 exhibitors are taking part – representing the world’s leading manufacturers and their Middle East agents and distributors.
On show are trucks and good vehicles, trailers, buses, and special purpose items such as ambulances, fire-engines, and armoured security carriers.
“With Dubai undergoing such phenomenal expansion, the demand for commercial vehicles has never been greater,” said Kavita Dabrai, project manager of organisers Zenith Events.
“The time was right for such an event and this is underlined by the fantastic response from exhibitors – and from users who want to see the latest models from around the world.”
The show occupies the equivalent of four football pitches, where a vast array of vehicles are on display from Belhasa Motors, Toyota, Renault, Galadari, Al Ghanim, Tata, Shac, Naffco, Al Futtaim, Mammut, Bison, Iran Khodro, Gulfcoen, Naffco, Voith Turbo, Caterpillar, Al Dobowi, Wah Fai, Juratek, Al Ghandi, Gulf Oil, Al Nabooda, Eicher, and many more.
Thousands of visitors are expected by the time the event closes on Thursday.
“Obviously, Dubai and UAE are particularly well represented in view of the intense demand for commercial vehicles, but we have also had visitor registrations from across the Gulf and the wider Middle East as well as the Indian sub-continent and CIS countries,” said Dabrai.
“This is the first opportunity our region has had to see the best the world has to offer in specialised commercial vehicles for every purpose – all gathered on one convenient site in a strategically-located and accessible destination.
“This is a new focal point for suppliers and users to experience the best in current technology and provides a meeting place to share needs and solutions.”
Opening the event, Jamal Majid Bin Thanieh, vice-chairman of Dubai World, said: “Dubai World is playing a major role in boosting the economic muscle of the UAE, managing a number of ports in the country, especially vital logistics hubs and free zones. In turn, this attracts foreign investment in different sectors – commercial, industrial, services, property, and hospitality – creating a need for a modern transport network and equipment of different sizes to meet this development
“The Middle East Commercial Vehicles Show will contribute to communication and interactivity between relevant sectors of transportation and equipment – whether dedicated to passengers or freight.
“These sectors face challenges in growth and development and this show will form an annual meeting point for everyone involved - whether agents, traders, transport authorities, or contractors – to get together under one roof and achieve the best solutions.”
Middle East International Commercial Vehicle Show is organised by Zenith Events and supported by Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Civil Aviation, Al Awir Free Zone and the UAE Contractors Association.
The show is open daily from 3:30-9:00 pm and free shuttle buses will ferry visitors between the Autodrome and Ras Al Khor, Jebel Ali, Barsha, Ghusais, and the Sharjah Industrial Area.
