Business & Money | Saturday 10 January, 2015 1:37 pm |

- International Air Transport Association: “Gulf States allocated $ 313 billion for airport development projects, led by UAE with over $ 23 billion”

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) inaugurated today (Saturday, 10 January 2015) three mega industrial shows -- 5th Tube Arabia, the international trade fair for the tube and pipe industries, 2nd Arabia Essen Welding & Cutting (AEWC) showcasing products, services and technologies in manual and machine welding, and the inaugural Metal Middle East, the international trade fair for metallurgical technology, thermo process technology, foundry machinery and metal working tools.

The three exhibitions will continue for four days until (13 January) at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

During the inauguration, Satish Khanna, General Manager, Al Fajer Information and Services, co-organisers of the three shows, along with the two German giants Messe Düsseldorf and Messe Essen, said: “We understand the development currently taking place across the UAE and the region in general. For that, we have expanded collaboration with our international partners to develop an integrated platform offering decision makers latest solutions in tubes, pipes, welding, and metal industries.”

The three industrial shows come at a time when Gulf countries have earmarked an investment of $ 313 billion for various airport development projects, according to International Air Transport Association.

The association says Gulf countries are heavily investing in airport development to cope with expected surge in passenger traffic, which is being driven by six of the region’s major airlines.

UAE leads from the front with more than USD 23 billion investment in airport infrastructure, including USD 15.79 billion in Dubai alone.

“Tube Arabia has matured as a biennial event, attracting big-time international exhibitors. AEWC, in its second edition, has attracted a wide range of specialised companies, which is a strong demonstration of the huge potential of this industry.”

He added: “And now with Metal Middle East on board, we have completed the cycle, creating an integrated and holistic hub for trade visitors and decision makers from around the globe and the region.”

“The three shows are a result of international collaboration between key players in the metal industry,” concluded Khanna.