Leading logistics industry players support MELA 2007 Awards Nite

As the voting phase of the Second Annual Middle East Logistics Awards (MELA) 2007 is underway with very active participation from the entire Middle East logistics community and users of various logistics services, many more players from the logistics industry have expressed their support for the MELA 2007 and its continued quest for performance excellence in the logistics industry.

One of the largest land transport companies in the UAE – Mubarak & Sons General Transport – has announced their full support for the region's premier logistics awards, by forming an alliance for the MELA 2007. Recently, the company has signed an agreement to become one of the Platinum Sponsors for MELA 2007 Awards.

As an evolving rail organisation, Dubai's Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has joined the celebration of excellence in logistics by becoming one of the sponsors for MELA 2007. RTA is responsible for planning and providing the requirements of transport, roads and traffic in the Emirate of Dubai, between Dubai and other Emirates of the UAE, between Dubai and the neighbouring countries in order to provide an effective and integrated transport system capable of achieving Dubai's vision, serving the vital interests of the Emirate.

RTA made a number of achievements highlighted by the commencement of the Dubai Metro Project and the completion of a number of road projects with cost exceeding over six billion AED such as the Business Bay Bridge, Floating Bridge, expansion of Al Gharoud Bridge and Emirates Road. The company has also been responsible for introducing Water Bus Service and a new batch of public buses.

"We are showing our support for MELA because of the premium it has placed in the logistics industry in the region. Much of the economic activity in the Middle East revolves around logistics like freight, cargo, rail and land transport. It is but fitting to recognise the key players who have excelled and has given importance in good service and customer satisfaction," says HE Matter Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of RTA.

DHL Danzas – one of the world's leading logistics service providers – is sponsoring the Media Pack for MELA 2007. Some of Dubai's leading companies have also pledged their support as key sponsors for the MELA 2007 Awards Nite. Sponsoring the Registration Desk and the Delegate Badges for the Awards Nite is DP World, the largest marine terminal operators in the world with 42 terminals spanning 22 countries.

"DP World's UAE region supports the thinking of the Middle East Logistics Awards 2007. Setting a benchmark for excellence in the logistics industry here in the region is an inspiring initiative that enthuses our partners and us to strive towards a higher level of customer satisfaction. It is this continuous growth and acknowledgment that adds merit to our sponsorship of this event," says Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for DP World, UAE Region.

Fujairah Free Zone – which offers lucrative incentives and packages for investors wishing to set base in a free trade zone in the region – is sponsoring the Display Communications for the MELA 2007 Awards Nite. Al-Futtaim Logistics (AFL) will support the Awards Nite by sponsoring the Dinner Invites for the same. AFL is the logistics arm of one of the UAE's most enduring business groups. The company offers a full range of supply chain solutions that include warehousing and distribution, road transportation, and sea and air freight-forwarding to a blue-chip clientele.

Sponsoring the banners for the glitz and glamour of the evening is SkyNet Worldwide Express – the technology-driven international distribution and logistics company. It has extensive experience in the courier and expedited cargo business. Gobos for the Awards Nite will be provided by AMI Middle East LLC, a freight-forwarding company offering more choice to the global freight and transport industry. The company has grown rapidly in its range of services, turnover and geographic coverage, establishing itself as a leading forwarder in the global market.

Sharing his views on the immense support pouring in from the region’s logistics industry, Aleem Aziz, Chief Executive Officer, MELA Management Office, stated that the enhanced involvement of the industry would give MELA 2007 Awards Nite more excitement than the first one. "MELA 2007 promises to be more exciting than the previous year. The strong response from the community sets the tone for the awards, with 106 companies and 30 individuals nominated. This just makes it more exciting to look forward for the outcome. Indeed, the quest for excellence in the Middle East logistics industry is ably supported by the community," Aleem observed.

Aleem pointed out that one of the key factors why MELA was being supported by more companies was because it has become well-known in the logistics industry in the Middle East. "The overwhelming support just shows how popular MELA has now become. MELA has become a byword in the Middle East logistics community, identifying it with performance excellence in the industry," opined Aleem.

Recently, more leading logistics bodies have announced their support for MELA 2007. International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) and Supply Chain and Logistics Group (SCLG) have joined MELA as Industry Support Patrons. Manfred F Boes, President, FIATA, and Dr KM Madrecha, Consultative Committee Member, SCLG, have joined the MELA Advisory Board.

The members of the MELA Advisory Board are Manfred F Boes, President, FIATA; Juan Torrents, President, World Federation of Free Zones (FEMOZA); General Mazen Nadim, President, Egyptian International Freight Forwarding Association; Samir Choueiri, President, Lebanese Forwarders’ Syndicate; Dr Mahmoud Abdallatt, Secretary General, Arab Union of Land Transport; Fahad A Hammad, VP - Cargo Sales & Services, Saudi Arabian Airlines; Ali Khalfan Al Jallaf, VP, Cargo, Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai Cargo Village, Dubai, UAE; Captain Mansoor Yasin A Ghafoor, President, National Association of Freight Logistics (NAFL), UAE, and VP, FIATA; Dr KM Madrecha, Consultative Committee Member, SCLG; Dr Khalid Maniar, Founder & Managing Partner, AGNMAK; Dr Satish Mapara, Shipping and Legal Consultant, GlobeApex Management Consultants; Dr Khalid Al Mehairi, Chairman, Emirates Advocates; and Varun Sharma, Director, transPARK, Dubai Industrial City.

The MELA Executive Board includes Mike Lee, Director, 347Logistics, and Immediate Past President, SCLG; Prakash Nair, Manager - Network, Cargo Sales Development, Emirates Airline; Aleem Aziz, VP, Media One Group, and CEO, MELA Management Office; and Martin Menachery, Editor, Media One Group, and Head - Press & Information, MELA Media Committee, MELA Management Office.

The Voting Process for MELA 2007 Awards started on August 5, 2007, and is open until September 6, 2007, 6:00 PM. MELA 2007 – which will give away 24 awards to the stellar performers in the Middle East logistics industry in air, sea, land and rail categories – is slated for November 6, 2007, in Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE

For more information, please contact:

Martin Menachery
Head - Press & Information

MELA Media Committee
PO Box 72247
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 297 6987/265 4811
Fax: +971 4 297 6988
Email: martin@mela.ae
Website: www.mela.ae

OR

Anthony De leon
Senior Communications Executive

MELA Media Committee
PO Box 72247
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: (+971 4) 297 6987/265 4811
Fax: (+971 4) 297 6988
Email: anthony@mela.ae
Website: www.mela.ae

The 2nd Middle East Logistics Awards will have its awards night on November 6, 2007 at the Madinat Juemirah in Dubai, UAE

This release was published on openPR.