Critical issues confronting the shipping industry in the Middle East and Indian subcontinent region will be examined at an integrated conference and exhibition to be staged by international maritime communications group Seatrade in Dubai next February.

Seatrade said the event, to be held at the Grand Hyatt from February 3 to 5, was the first of its kind for the general shipping and cruise industries and would see leading industry experts examine issues including energy transportation and fleet expansion in the oil and gas sectors, the growth of bulk cargo movements, container shipping and state-of-the-art terminal development.

Other issues coming under the microscope will be the regional potential for cruise tourism and the conditions and infrastructure needed to encourage its growth, as well as how it will fit into the expanding geography of the cruise industry worldwide.

"The conference will also highlight the rapid emergence of a sophisticated multi-dimensional maritime service sector in the region, ranging from ship supply, bunkering and ship repair to ship finance and maritime law," said Seatrade.

"The region's potential as a source market for cruise passengers, will be reflected in a training programme for travel agents."

The company described the exhibition being organised as the "biggest showcase of maritime-related products and services ever assembled in the Middle East."

"The Middle East and Indian Subcontinent is the only region of the world without its own world-class maritime event," said Christopher Hayman, managing director, Seatrade.

"At a time of unprecedented growth in maritime commerce we feel this is exactly the right time for this event, which will focus international attention on the region and its potential."

Seatrade Middle East Maritime will be held under the patronage of Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Defence Minister and Chairman, Government of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

The main sponsors are the Dubai Ports Authority and DTCM, with support sponsorship from ABS, Al Jadaf, Grand Hyatt Dubai, Instone International, GAC and Transas Telematics.

The event also has the support of the Dubai Shipping Agents' Association and the UAE National Ship Suppliers Association.

"This event is the ideal opportunity for industry professionals to exchange information, discuss new developments and analyse dynamic trends in the maritime industry," said Mohammed Sharaf, commercial director, Dubai Ports Authority.

"This will improve strategic decision-making power and ultimately affect the direction and competitive edge of their business. In turn this will translate into further growth and development of the region's maritime sector."

Seatrade, which has 25 years' experience of working in the Middle East and Indian subcontinent, has already successfully organised two Seatrade Middle East Cruise Conferences in Dubai in 1999 and 2001.

"This conference provides an ideal platform for us to network with other leaders in the cruise business and to showcase our cruise terminal and Dubai's attractions to a high-profile target audience," said Awadh Al Seghayer, DTCM Manager, Heritage Sites and Events,(who is also in charge of cruise tourism).

"Dubai is leading the way forward in developing cruise tourism in the region and operates the only dedicated cruise facility in the Arabian Gulf. By hosting major events like this, Dubai plans to secure the future of cruise tourism in the region," added Al Seghayer.