Governments and private sector companies forge links, make progress on transportation issues at Gulf Traffic 2005 GCC government departments and private sector companies involved in the transport industry have hailed the success of Gulf Traffic 2005, the Middle East's premier traffic and transport infrastructure show, which took place at Dubai International Convention Centre.
Attracting 250 companies from more than 30 countries, Gulf Traffic 2005 was the largest-scale traffic event the region has ever seen and a timely international forum for addressing traffic and transportation needs. In its third year, the event included the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s first dedicated rail industry event: MENA Rail 2005.
Among the VIP visitors to the three-day show were His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence, UAE; Mattar Ahmad Al Tayer, Board Chairman and Chief Executive of Dubai Roads and Transport Authority; top officials from the Government of Dubai; and the Mayor of Ahwaz in Iran.
Lt. Col. Aqil Mustafa Al-Janahi, of the General Department of Operations at Dubai Police General Headquarters, which had a stand at the show, said Gulf Traffic was a platform to “brand” Dubai Police and showcase the organisation’s services to the public. “It has been very interactive and we’ve achieved the purposes we came for,” he said.
“We’ve made good connections with other exhibitors, interchanging knowledge and experience with international companies and other police forces. In particular, it has been useful for us to have a look at the new technology that’s available.
“It’s a golden opportunity to have this type of exhibition in Dubai. Previously, we had to go abroad, to shows in Europe, to gain knowledge and then we would send one person. Having a show in Dubai means more members of our organisation can meet people and see what’s available,” Al-Janahi added.
Syed Mohiuddin Afoz, of the Government of Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, which also had a stand at the show, said: “The really strong interest we’ve experienced shows how keen people are to improve the traffic situation and to see what technology is available to solve traffic problems. We’ve seen interest from members of the emirates’ ruling families, police officials, international visitors and university students. We’ve been able to interact with some new, highly experienced consultants from Europe, the US and Australia who are keen to help us with experience and technical know-how.”
New for the 2005 show was a dedicated “Government Zone” for regional authorities to showcase current and future projects. Representing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior – General Directorate of Traffic, Lt. Yousif Ahmed Jamal said: “We don’t have anything to sell, instead we have used the show to raise awareness about behaviour on the roads. What we have said here about safe behaviour complements other exhibitors who are selling new technologies. It’s a good mix. It has been a fantastic show. The organisers have worked hard and we have been happy to work with them.”
Andrea Jenner-Akehurst, Managing Director of UK-based i-motive, which represents RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) in the UAE and is working with Dubai’s Al Fajer Establishment to introduce “best in breed” technology and services for the health, safety and security market, said: “The quality of people at Gulf Traffic has been exceptional. The decision makers are here. To implement new approaches requires buy-in from the top officials and they have been at the show, which is encouraging. We’ve had lots of interest from various governments and a very good response from Dubai Police.”
Roger Desbois, of the Paris-based Sagem Défense Sécurité, whose speed control systems have contributed to a significant decline in road fatalities in France, said Gulf Traffic was a platform to share the company’s experience with government traffic divisions and expand into new Middle East markets. “We are really glad to share our experience,” he said.
Matthew Tucker, Managing Director of UK-based traffic, transport and road safety consultants Morgan Tucker, said: “This is our first trip outside the UK. We’ve been looking for new markets and we can’t believe how successful Gulf Traffic has been for us. Compared to shows we’ve attended in the UK, there’s a vibrancy here. You can tell people are excited about growth and the business opportunities in the Middle East. We’ve found that government people like the idea of a new, small company. They appreciate the fresh ideas, fresh approach and can see that we’re hungry. We have leads in Oman, Qatar and Pakistan to follow up on, though we didn’t come to get business, but to build relationships.”
John Cowell, Marketing Services Manager with Serco Integrated Transport, said the company – which has had defence, facilities and air traffic control contracts in the Middle East since 1947 – received interest in its integrated transportation division from Saudi Arabian, Iranian and Jordanian visitors to the show. “It hasn’t just been about Dubai, but other areas as well. There’s plenty to follow up on over the next few months,” said Cowell.
Commenting on the MENA Rail component of Gulf Traffic 2005, Christian Kügler, of Germany-based Siemens AG Transportation Systems, said: “The show helps in opening up new markets for us. We have made a lot of good contacts with people in Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and, of course, the UAE.”
“The response from participants in Gulf Traffic 2005 and MENA Rail has been phenomenal,” said Davyd Farrell, Transport Project Director, IIR Middle East, organisers of the event. “Every single person in government that I’ve spoken to has said, ‘Wow, now we have a traffic and transport infrastructure show to rival those held around the world. We don’t have to go to Europe now – you’re bringing the companies to us.’ 2005 has been a break out year for Gulf Traffic in terms of the size and significance of the show. Its growth reflects the growth of the transportation industy in the Middle East.”
About Gulf Traffic
Gulf Traffic is the Middle East's premier traffic and transport infrastructure show. Its 3rd edition, from December 12th-14th 2005, was the largest-scale traffic event the region has ever seen. Combining both a conference and an international exhibition, Gulf Traffic has become the forum for addressing the region’s traffic and transportation needs.
Chief event sponsors for Gulf Traffic 2005 were Dubai Municipality with the UAE Ministry of Interior as the key government sponsor. Gold Sponsors for the event were leading transportation consultants Wilbur Smith with both 3M and Avery Dennison as Silver Sponsors.
New features for 2005 included dedicated areas for Parking, Highways, GIS & Urban Planning and Street furniture and lighting. Also new for 2005 was a co-located exhibition & conference for railways: MENA Rail 2005 was the MENA region’s first dedicated event of its kind. For more information, please log on to: www.gulftraffic.com.
