Breakbulk Middle East unveils dates for 2024 edition in Dubai

Following the success of Breakbulk Middle East (BBME) 2023, held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, organisers have announced dates for the 2024 edition. Scheduled to be held on 12-13 February next year at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event will yet again reunite the sector to reinforce its growth and power economies in the Middle East.

The 2023 edition of the event concluded successfully last month with 6496 attendees, a 93 per cent increase in the number of visitors in comparison to 2022. With an 84 per cent increase in the number of organisations, BBME attracted professionals from the full industrial project supply chain including freight forwarding, maritime transport, ports & terminals, equipment and air and road transport. The conference touched upon every development within the sector, charting its progress over the last year. It featured insightful sessions, including discussions on business outlook, rates, capacity, and sustainability and the role of mega projects in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and beyond to key initiatives such as Women in Breakbulk Networking Breakfast and Education Day.

H.E. Eng. Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure said: “At MOEI, in line with our vision to aid the UAE’s and the region’s diversified and sustainable economy, we are committed to ensuring the development of the project cargo sector that has witnessed several changes in the last couple of years due to advancements in industries such as oil and gas, construction and renewables, among others. More importantly, digitalisation and the deployment of new technologies have enhanced the value chain of companies in the UAE and beyond. Thus, to enhance competitiveness in the sector, we are always looking at providing the best ports and shipping infrastructure for the smooth functioning of the sector. The end goal is to support industry stakeholders in transforming the UAE into a nerve centre for global logistics. Our steadfast support to BBME over the years is one such endeavour to power the sector’s success in the UAE and the Middle East. As a vital contributor to economies in the region, the event has played a strategic role, bringing together governments and industry experts for knowledge exchange and high-value collaborations. We are confident that the 2024 edition will continue helping us realise our aspirations for the sector and the country.”

Ben Blamire, Event Director, Breakbulk Middle East said: “Year after year, industry professionals look forward to attending BBME as it is a niche event that focuses on the project cargo and breakbulk sector. The response we received this year was outstanding. We saw participation from 98 countries, the top few being the United Arab Emirates, India, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Singapore, and the United States. What was interesting is that 32 per cent of the attendees held key roles with final purchasing authority. These are quite literally the movers and shakers in the industry. With more than 90 percent of exhibitors rebooking for 2024, and in many cases, taking more space than in 2023, we have added a third hall to meet the market demand for 2024.”

Leslie Meredith, Marketing Director of Breakbulk Events & Media said: “While defining the current challenges in the project cargo sector, our agenda also highlighted the solutions to drive industry progress. Additionally, what gives BBME an edge is that it caters to a diverse audience within the sector, right from government representatives and industry leaders to budding professionals and students. Looking at the enormous increase in participation this year, I can say that the event will be even bigger next year, taking its rightful place on the world stage.”

BBME 2023 saw several firsts, setting the benchmark higher for next year’s edition. For the first time in the event’s history, a networking reception was held on Day 1. Additionally, prior to the main event, an inaugural Golf Day took place at the Dubai Hills Golf Club. Both of these activities have been slated for 2024.