Saudi Arabia’s dramatic development as a top regional transportation and logistics hub and the potential it harbours with large-scale projects being implemented will be in the spotlight at a key exhibition in Dammam.

Saudi Transtec, the transportation, materials handling, warehousing and logistics exhibition, will be held over three days from October 25 at the Dammam International Exhibition Centre.

“This exhibition offers the perfect environment and opportunity for local, regional and international companies to take advantage of Saudi Arabia’s accelerated growth in these key sectors,” an exhibition statement said.

To be opened by Abel Aziz Bin Abdel Rahman Al-AA’whali, Deputy of the Minister for Transportation, Saudi Transtec provides Saudi Arabia and the Eastern Province with the most comprehensive exhibition in the region, covering all areas of transportation, materials handling, warehousing and logistics, the statement added.

Supported by the Ministry of Transport, Saudi Transtec will showcase Industries such as freight, shipping, aviation, ports, cargo, express, railways, material handling equipment and system providers as well as supply chain and logistics, providing the Eastern Province with an essential networking and business forum for the transport and logistics sector.

Saudi Arabia has a rapidly growing economy and lies at the heart of a developing region of the Middle East and North Africa, strategically located between Asia and Europe.

The kingdom is the largest market in the Middle East, with considerable spending power from its 25 per cent holding of global oil reserves.

Positioned between Europe, Africa and Asia-Pacific, Saudi Arabia provides the ideal hub for global transportation. 

Through its major ports on both the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, the kingdom offers strong sea transport solutions in addition to its overall strategic infrastructure system.

Strong forecasts
“Current forecasts for Saudi Arabia are strong, with domestic cargo demand anticipated to grow by 4-5 per cent through 2020, and international flows anticipated to grow by 5 per cent for air and 7-8 per cent for sea cargo,” the statement said.

“Growth in the region’s logistics industry is taking place at a fast rate as demand from national and global businesses increases and large infrastructure projects are supported by the kingdom’s planned investment of $400 billion, allowing the country to realise its full potential,” it said. 

“A positive outlook is offered with the relaxation of foreign investment laws, making Saudi Arabia an extremely interesting prospect for national and international organisations.”

With the building and construction sector continuing to grow, so does demand for improved logistics, materials handling, warehousing and transportation. The importance of top-level customer service and global standards are now the priority for companies wanting to remain ahead in these sectors.

“Saudi Transtec will offer the perfect environment and opportunity for local, regional and international companies to take advantage of this accelerated growth in Saudi Arabia, the statement said.

It listed key reasons for confirmation of participation:

• Business opportunities - Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing economy is situated at the heart of the Middle East and North Africa, strategically located between Asia and Europe and offering the ideal hub for global transportation and business opportunities

• Investment potential - Interest in Saudi Arabia’s economic development continues to increase at local, regional and international levels, providing great investment potential

• Growth - Growth in the region’s logistics industry is taking place at a fast rate as demand from national and global businesses increases, and large infrastructure projects are supported by the kingdom’s planned investment of $400 billion, allowing the country to realise its full potential.

Saudi Transtec will showcase companies including DB Schenker, DHL, Kanoo, Aramex, Four Winds Logistics, King Fahd International Airport, Saudi Railways Organisation, MSC - Mediterranean Shipping Company (UAE) and International Port Services.

The exhibition will also be complemented by a one-day conference which includes networking opportunities and speakers from Saudi Aramco, Aramex, Hala Supply Chain Services, Maersk Line, KSA, Al-Futtaim Logistics, DB Schenker, Agility and many other major companies.

Spaces for the event were said to be limited. Further details can be had at www.sauditranstec.com