HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH AHMED BIN SAEED AL MAKTOUM, PRESIDENT OF DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AVIATION & CHAIRMAN OF EMIRATES GROUP –
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS:
1. How much will the Dubai Flower Centre enhance Dubai’s already established status as a trading, aviation & logistics hub for the region?
Answer: The Dubai International Airport handled 1.3 million tonnes of cargo for the year 2005. This is expected to increase 1.5 million tonnes this year. The airport has recorded 20% growth in cargo traffic. Dubai has already been recognized as a leading transshipment point for many products including perishables. The setting up of the AED257-million (US$70-million) Dubai Flower Centre (DFC), will give an additional boost to the overall cargo handling capacity at the Dubai International Airport. The handling of perishable products is one area that was not adequately covered till recently. But with the commissioning of the DFC we are sure the perishables trade will benefit within the GCC region and beyond. The state-of-the-art trans-shipment facility has the capacity to handle 180,000 tonnes of perishable products a year. This capacity will establish the centre as one of the defining links in the global cool chain.
2. In what way will Dnata Cargo be associated with the operations of Dubai Flower Centre?
Answer: The DFC is supported by Dnata Cargo and its DACS+ system (Chameleon) for terminal handling activities to ensure efficient transfer of perishable cargo. Rapid and efficient handling is aided by a fully automatic system that safeguards quality and maximises shelf life. At the moment all perishable transit cargo from Emirates is being handled by DFC.
3. Do you see the Dubai Flower Centre contributing to the growth of the perishable cargo sector in the region?
Answer: Perishables are set to become increasingly important to airlines, airports and logistics companies in the coming years. Nearly 15% of world cargo is now perishable and the market is growing at 7.1% annually, quicker than any other sector in global airfreight. The DFC is an exceptional state-of the-art facility that will capture this future growth from its base at the heart of Dubai International Airport. Moreover DFC is the only place to trade, store and add-value to perishables in the Middle East and beyond because of its superior processes, facilities and technology. So we are sure DFC will contribute immensely to the growth of this sector worldwide.
4. Is there enough provision for future capacity expansion at DFC along with that of the Dubai International Airport when the five million-tonne capacity Cargo Mega Terminal will be completed by 2010?
Answer: Any future capacity expansion at the DFC will be executed in conjunction with other related developments at the Dubai World Central. (See also answer 7)
5. Are other government departments functioning smoothly at DFC?
Answer: The customs, phytosanitary inspections and clearance services are based on the main floor in the central handling area. The Ministry of Environment and Water and its subsequent divisions, Dubai Customs, Dubai Municipality, and Dubai Police have all been functioning smoothly at the complex.
6. Will the DFC be linked to the Dubai World Central when the bigger aviation hub is commissioned?
Answer: Dubai World Central will be the world’s first truly integrated single-bond multi-modal logistics transport platform. It will be linked to Dubai International Airport, the Dubai Flower Centre and Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone by dedicated road and high-speed express rail links. Logistics companies and airlines will be able to move freight and passengers between land, sea and air, all from one location, without ever having to leave the bonded free zone environment. So, future capacity expansion may not be an issue for DFC. In combination with the Dubai Flower Centre and Dubai Cargo Village, the new Dubai Logistics City in Dubai World Central will serve the needs of every transport mode, logistics need and value-adding operation in the supply chain.
7. How beneficial will the ‘Free Zone’ concept be for those operating within the DFC premises?
Answer: Operating from within a free-zone environment and incorporating the latest technology and processes, the Dubai Flower Centre ensures seamless and prompt delivery from the producer to the end consumer, wherever in the world they may be. International traders can establish offices and warehouses for added-value services like sorting, repackaging, bouquet-making and packaging for supermarkets. The Centre also acts as a one-stop shop for local and international buyers, traders and exporters.
