Manufacturing and logistics market ‘on the upswing’

The manufacturing and logistics market in the region is on the upswing, says a top Dubai Industrial City official.
His comments came as Dubai Industrial City, a member of TECOM Investments and the second largest industrial real estate project in Dubai, was awarded with ‘The Logistics Hub of the Year’ prize at the seventh annual SCATA Awards in Dubai.
‘The Logistics Hub of the Year’ prize was awarded to Dubai Industrial City to recognize the advantages that the City enjoys, offering an integrated environment that meets all industrial and logistics business demands.
These include, the city’s advanced infrastructure, its premium location close to the sea ports and airports, in addition to all energy requirements, advanced communications and logistics, as well as the easy processing for operating and licensing.
Dubai Industrial City is strategically located adjacent to the new Al-Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central) and is 28 km away from Jebel Ali Free Zone.
The City provides direct connection to Emirates Road, Dubai By Pass Road providing easy and convenient access to global transportation points via road, air and sea.
Moreover, The City provides a cost effective and efficient business environment together with a number of industry supporting products and facilities including 7 million square feet of warehousing and 3 million square feet of open storage lands, labor villages, commercial lands, office space as well as a one stop shop for the issue of required licenses and permits.
On top of that, Dubai Industrial City has ample electricity resources that would meet the energy requirements of the city for the next 5 to 7 years.
Commenting on the prize Abdullah Belhoul, Managing Director of Dubai Industrial City said: “We are very pleased to be recognized by SCATA 2013, the leading event for the Middle East logistics industry.
He said: “Dubai Industrial City was set up to serve as a catalyst for the growth and expansion of the industrial sector in the UAE, and this prize proves that we are achieving this target and that we continue to be on the right track of serving all industrial and logistics needs with the world class services we offer to our business partners.”
He added: “The outlook is positive as manufacturing and logistics market in the region is on the upswing.”
He also said: “Dubai is the regional hub for the logistics and transport industry across the Middle East. We are very optimistic about this year 2013, as Dubai Industrial City continues to be an attractive industrial and logistic hub for local and regional companies.”
The official said: “The contribution of the industrial sector to the UAE’s GDP reached 19 percent last year, and this number is expected to increase in 2013, with a significant increase in the volume of industrial investment, from AED 72.635 billion in 2007 to AED 114.052 billion in 2011, an increase of 57 percent.”
he said: “This is another proof on the pivotal role that is played by the industrial sector to help achieving UAE’s vision 2030, and Dubai industrial city is at the heart of this endeavour.”
SCATA Awards was created as the region continues to set the benchmark in logistics, warehousing and transportation supported by ongoing investment in infrastructure throughout the Middle East.
This year, the awards included 16 categories in total, covering the logistics, sea freight and air cargo sectors in the Middle East.
These include the Logistics Hub of the Year and 3PL Service Provider of the Year awards, which honor companies that have consistently delivered world-class services and facilities across the region over the past year.
In addition, the Supply Chain of the Year category has been awarded to the company that continued to raise standards with their regional operations.