Travel and Tourism May 25, 2004 K E R A L A M O N I T O R N E W S India -Nepal Agreement for Railway Link NEW DELHI - India and Nepal have signed an agreement seeking to introduce rail communication between the two countries. The agreement, signed on May 21, 2004 at Kathmandu (Nepal), provides for operating and managing the freight train services between Kolkata/Haldia ports in India and Birganj in Nepal via Raxaul in India for transit traffic initially between stations on Indian Railways and Birganj via Raxaul for bilateral traffic at a later date mutually agreed upon by both the Governments. The Indian delegation comprising the Ministries of Railways, Industry, Commerce and Supplies were led by Shri L.R. Thapar, Additional Member Traffic, Ministry of Railways. The other delegates were Shri Pratap Bhatnagar, Executive Director Traffic, Ministry of Railways and Shri Shyam Saran, Indian Ambassador to Nepal. The delegation of His Majesty’s Government of Nepal was led by Shri Dinesh Chandra Pyakurel, Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. He was assisted by Shri Purushottam Ojha, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. The agreement identifies the details of rail services to be provided between India and Nepal as also the undertakings agreed upon by both the countries in operation, maintenance and financial adjustments. It has also been decided, in tune with the changing scenario, that representatives of both the countries will be meeting periodically to review the operation of this agreement and to decide upon the aspects needing modifications. Delegation from Algeria's Ministry of Justice visits Dubai eGovernment to study Dubai's experience (click photo for detailed view) The UNDP-initiated visit helps Algerian officials get insights into the operations of the region's most successful e-government initiative DUBAI May 25, 2004 A delegation from Algeria's Ministry of Justice paid a visit recently to Dubai eGovernment to study Dubai's experience in delivering public services through electronic channels. The Algerian officials were introduced to the state-of-the-art back-end systems that drive Dubai eGovernment and briefed on the goals and achievements realised so far. The visit was coordinated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The delegation consisted of Bouzertini Jamel, Counsellor, Supreme Court; Mahiddine Rachid, Director Training, Ministry of Justice; Zouggar Mohamed, Attorney General, Batna Court and Sihadj-Mohand Arezki, Director of National Centre for Judicial Cases. The delegation hailed the strides made by Dubai eGovernment and sought information on the infrastructure that have made Dubai ready for advanced online services. The visiting officials showed keen interest in the state-of-the-art systems adopted by Dubai eGovernment to emerge as the region's premier eGovernment initiative. Briefing the delegation, Mahmood Al Bastaki, Business Process Re-engineering Consultant, Dubai eGovernment, said: "Dubai eGovernment was driven by the vision of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Defence Minister of the UAE, with a mandate to ease the lives of the people by eliminating bureaucratic delays and red-tape through the use of electronic channels." "In three years, more than 1,100 services are being provided online by Dubai eGovernment," said Al Bastaki. "We have been able to turn our vision into reality through planning and adoption of advance IT systems that have allowed the various government departments to offer services to the public through the integrated eGovernment portal www.dubai.ae." Al Bastaki explained to the delegation the various stages Dubai eGovernment went through before reaching the interactive stage, and was now into the ultimate transactional stage. He also explained initiatives like ePay, e4all, eEmployee, eLearning, mDubai and AskDubai, that have contributed to making Dubai eGovernment such a resounding success. "We are always willing to share our expertise and experiences with other countries, especially fellow Arab states, to enable them to aspire for higher levels of e-governance. We are therefore delighted to welcome and host the delegation from Algeria's Ministry of Justice and would like to extend all help and cooperation in future." Discussion Forum Subject: Busted Jokers Pack (aka) BJP Name: Venugopal Date Posted: May 19, 04 - 12:16 AM IP Address: 212.72.5.230 Message: The BUBBLE finally burst. The MASK is ripped open. The insides stink. The Great nation India and the proud citizens of this great land have finally escaped the Insult heaped on them by this pack of jokers(BJP). Here are some of there sick mechanisms: STRATEGY 1.Degrade women 2.Break families 3.Abuse children 4.Religious/caste divide 5.Stab the great resilence of the citizens 6.Blindfold justice. ELECTION MANIFESTO: 1.Fool the minorities 2.Trottle the Allies 3.Cheat the Indian citizens 4.Insult the Constitution 5.Honour the Anti-socials 6.Saffron wash their black deeds 6.Hide behind a helpless/hapless old man. LEADERS 1. Old and Visionless men 2.Rudderless stammering spokesmen 3. Loudmouth women(who do not know the meaning of Citizenship, truth of the Constitution, value of National pride and more so the very value of womanhood) 4.Butchers 5. Chariot drivers 6.Few youngsters (to beat the drums and blow the horns) AMBITION 1.Rule(by hook or by crook) 2.Blacken the nation 3.Destroy the good 4.Travel and make merry at the cost of the Indian economy 5.Entertain the neighbours and humour the world 6.Lead the nation into Oblivion. Since their(BJP) fall, INDIA is and will be SHINNING. Finally we get to see and witness history repeated after 60 and more years - end of tyranny(Old medivial times) and Social injustice - End of the Indian Nero's rule WHAT A RELIEF MCS/Action Ties up With Vahid Associates to Attract Bahrain Saunders, Hunt and Mehrinfar - creating Action Bahrain (click photo for detailed view) May 24, 2004 MCS/Action, one of the Gulf's leading PR companies and Vahid Associates, the Manama-headquartered brand futurists and branding master planners, have launched a joint venture PR company - Action/Bahrain - to better serve the Kingdom. Action/Bahrain now joins the rapidly developing Action Global Communications Group, which currently has 28 offices worldwide, including a regional headquarters in Dubai and an office in Kuwait. "The move is part of the Action Group's expansion plan for the Middle East following a successful restructuring of the organisation and reflects increasing demand for our services in the Kingdom" said Barbara Saunders, Operations Director, Founder and Majority Shareholder, MCS/Action. The strategic alliance between the two organisations follows a year of solid co-operation on a number of projects, including the prestigious Dubai Sports City and Rikaz of Saudi Arabia accounts. "With this new strategic alliance we are now capable of providing not only full service to our clients in Bahrain, be it a sensitive brand exercise via Vahid Associates, or advertising through Lowe Contexture, but also proactive and continuously conscious PR that befits our pre-emptive way of working and marketing," said Vahid Mehrinfar, Executive Principal and Chief Brand Architect, Vahid Associates. MCS/Action Account Manager Sam Dulka has relocated from Dubai to Bahrain to oversee the initial PR operation. "We believe it will grow quite quickly given the initial response we have received," said Greg Hunt, Managing Director, MCS/Action. "As part of the Action Global Communication Group it has been our strategic goal to build on existing relationships and restructure where necessary. "Working with Vahid Associates recently showed how well we complement each others' working style so a joint venture in Bahrain was an obvious evolution. In future the JV's branding and positioning will increasing fall in line with the Action Group as we leverage our internal and fundamental strengths on a much larger scale." Action Global Communications is headquartered in Cyprus and has been operating for more than 30 years. It has led the way as one of the top communications agencies in the region, facilitating the successful establishment of its clients' corporate reputations and promoting products and services in what are otherwise complex and culturally-diverse markets. The Group now has offices throughout the GCC, the Levant, North Africa, the Balkans and Russia. (KM Bureau Dubai) Middle East IT IBM Middle East Launches Lotus Workplace in the Region Dubai-UAE, 24th May 2004 -- IBM Middle East announced today a new middleware software-based model that brings together the unique qualities of Web-based computing and traditional PC desktop environments, providing customers with a single, more flexible and secure way to access, share and manage business applications and data. The announcement was marked at a launch event in Dubai this morning for regional customers and business partners, where experts from IBM's Worldwide Software Group briefed them on a new model of 'choice' for enterprise desktops and a new direction for the region's software market. "The environment in the market now is such that people want to use several different client devices throughout their work day-whether laptops, desktops, PDAs, mobile phones-to access key information, use business applications and collaborate with co-workers, customers and business partners. This is exactly what we are addressing with this announcement today," said Bashar Kilani, head of software group, IBM Middle East. "We're also giving organisations a new client management model that is platform-independent, and one that will allow them to centrally manage and deploy these key business applications and data to a range of devices in a secure, efficient and cost effective way." IBM's new server-managed client model enables customers to centrally manage, provision and immediately deploy key business applications and data to a range of client devices as needed. Using new software component technologies, IBM is combining the low total cost of ownership and immediate deployment qualities of web applications with the rich functionality of traditional PC software. As a result, customers will no longer have to deal with separate and distinct applications on the Web and their desktop PCs -- receiving the benefits of a single model of client computing. In addition, IBM's software model enables businesses to manage a wide variety of client devices and extends access to new and existing applications and data to these devices. As a result, people can use virtually any client device they choose -- across a wide range of operating systems - to collaborate with people and access and manage key business information and applications whenever and wherever they need it. IBM's open middleware is designed to support clients running Windows, Unix, Linux, MacOS and operating systems for wireless and embedded devices such as Symbian. In addition, IBM's model for managing clients is inclusive as it fully supports a wide range of applications running on "thick" clients -- such as desktops running productivity applications -- fully protecting customers' investments in these resources. IBM's new software environment includes: Lotus Workplace software to help customers collaborate more productively using a variety of integrated, server-managed productivity functions for e-mail, instant messaging, document management, and team collaboration; Tivoli software to centrally administer thousands of clients, including client access, setup and updates as well as provisioning computing resources to clients when needed; WebSphere Portal software to provide a single point of personalized interaction with people, applications and content; and built-in, server-managed security, workflow, and application and data management capabilities. IBM today announced new software products delivering the server-managed client environment. The new offerings include: New IBM Lotus Workplace Messaging and IBM Lotus Workplace Documents: The offerings are delivered through the IBM Workplace Client Technology, a rich client platform built on the Eclipse framework that will help provide customers with additional flexibility and choice, yet simplify deployment through a consistent infrastructure. The Workplace software can help lower total cost of ownership by enabling organizations to centrally deploy and manage messaging and document management function to the most appropriate client or different types of users. Both software offerings deliver a new way for customers and partners to develop, deliver, and centrally manage rich end-user applications in a server-managed client model. IBM Lotus Workplace Messaging, the low cost, open standards-based messaging solution for browser users (Web Access Edition), will now provide a rich-client experience traditionally found in desktop applications, with all the cost benefits and manageability of Web-based applications. The solution can be easily integrated across existing supported infrastructures to take full advantage of current IT investments. In addition, IBM Lotus Workplace Documents provides customers with increased business productivity capability within their collaborative workplace environment. Based on rich client technology, customers can more easily keep track of information that gets completed within various document types by providing a centralized location for end users to create, import, edit and save rich documents, presentations and spreadsheets. New Workplace Client Technology, Micro Edition: The new Workplace Micro Environment (WCTME) software (version 5.7) extends enterprise applications to a wide variety of devices. Middleware that comprises device versions of IBM enterprise software, such as DB2e, MQe, Service Management Framework and Java runtime environments, WCTME 5.7 enables a more seamless link between devices and the enterprise. This makes it easier for enterprises, developers and manufacturers to build and configure function-rich applications on devices, as well as manage, update and install new services remotely and wirelessly. In addition, the software enables the management of applications in an environment (for example, a mobile salesforce) in which devices are not connected to a network all the time. The WCTME software enables access to business applications whether devices are connected, disconnected or sometimes-connected - and then synch up later. IBM Business Partners are also embracing the IBM Workplace Client Technology. ISVs, developers and solution integrators are now able to cost-effectively deploy their offerings to heterogeneous environments as well as deliver customized solutions on a broad range of devices extending J2EE solutions to J2ME devices. The IBM Workplace Client Technology enables IBM Business Partners such as Adobe, PeopleSoft, Siebel and others to deliver solutions that address specific industries and business processes. (KM Bureau Dubai) Network Associates Leads Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Intrusion Detection Systems DUBAI - May 24, 2004 Network Associates, Inc, the leading provider of intrusion prevention solutions, announced recently that global research firm, Gartner, Inc., has placed the company in the leader quadrant in its 'Magic Quadrant for Intrusion Detection Systems, 2H03'. The research, which examined the security infrastructure products and services of leading vendors in the intrusion detection and prevention marketplace, gave Network Associates top scores, both on 'Completeness of Vision' and 'Ability to Execute for Security Infrastructure'. Gartner's Magic Quadrant on IDS represents the performance and capability of leading global IDS vendors and is based on a company's viability, services and support, features and functionality, and overall technology offerings. According to Gartner, vendors listed in the leader quadrant are good performers, have a clear vision of market direction and are actively building competencies to sustain their leadership position in the market. "Our position in the leader quadrant for Gartner's highly-esteemed Magic Quadrant confirms Network Associates commitment to delivering world-class intrusion prevention solutions that proactively blocks security attacks for customers," said Parveen Jain, executive vice president of McAfee marketing and strategy at Network Associates. "Our comprehensive intrusion prevention technologies far exceed those of our competitors by blocking attacks at both the system and network levels. Customers are continuing to rapidly deploy our McAfee intrusion prevention solutions because of our industry-leading technology and expertise in the security market." Commenting on the impact of Gartner's findings on the company's operations in the Middle East, Patrick Hayati, Regional Director, Network Associates, Middle East, stated "Being placed at the top of Gartner's Magic Quadrant validates the fact that the company is effectively meeting the challenge of providing cutting-edge security solutions to meet customers' changing needs. Recent virus attacks such as the Sasser worm infestation have highlighted that the protection offered by traditional IDS is not enough any longer. Incumbent IDS technology will have to develop in-line blocking capabilities in order to migrate to intrusion prevention, which can actively prevent attacks before they infest systems." "Network Associates has already addressed this critical need with its McAfee Path to Prevention strategy, which provides users with the flexibility to seamlessly migrate from reactive intrusion detection to a completely proactive intrusion prevention mode without requiring any additional investment in hardware or software upgrades," continued Hayati. Since the acquisitions of Entercept Technologies and IntruVert Networks in 2003, Network Associates has continued to innovate and develop leading-edge system and network security solutions that completely block attacks from reaching systems and networks. Through the combination of McAfee Entercept and McAfee IntruShield, Network Associates is the only company to deliver comprehensive intrusion prevention solutions that protect companies from the desktop and servers to the core and edge of the network and branch offices. Middle East Auto NEW BMW X5 4.8is Debuts in the Middle East X5 success story continues with arrival of SAV flagship DUBAI - 25th May, 2004 Just a few months after the arrival of the new-look BMW X5, the latest version of the best-selling Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), the new high performance BMW X5 4.8is makes its debut in importerships across the region. "The award-winning BMW X5 enjoys a huge success story in the region with record sales of over 7,500 units since its launch in 2000. Now, this exceptional market performance will be heightened with the new on and off road high performance X5 4.8is," said Guenther Seemann, Managing Director BMW Group Middle East. The new BMW X5 4.8is is powered by a 4.8-litre V8 engine delivering 360 bhp at 6200 rpm rounding off the top of the X5 range, which also includes a 3-litre in-line 6-cylinder and the 4.4 litre 8-cylinder models. Fitted with a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard, this power package gives the X5 4.8is performance figures similar to those of a sports car. The SAV flagship accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and achieves a top speed of 246 km/h. "For the connoisseur, the X5 4.8is is immediately recognisable as the top of the range of the X5 series," said Seemann. "Externally, enhanced sporting styling to the front and rear valances differentiates the new X5 4.8is from the standard X5. The other exclusive features are oval dual exhaust tailpipes and unique V-spoke 20-inch aluminium wheels. "The characteristic lines of the engine compartment lid run broader and higher into the characteristic BMW dual kidney grill. The kidney-shaped intake vents have also been re-designed. They are larger and give the new X5 4.8is a greater presence."With its sporty suspension settings, the X5 4.8is is 15 mm lower than the other X5 variants, providing a lower centre of gravity and excellent handling. In addition, it is fitted with dual axle pneumatic self-levelling suspension. This enables the driver to lower the X5 by an additional 20 mm or increase ground clearance by 40 mm when driving off-road. The X5 4.8is is fitted with BMW's intelligent all-wheel drive xDrive technology. The system immediately identifies when a change of power distribution is necessary and reacts extremely rapidly - in on-road mode usually even before a wheel loses grip. The xDrive offers enormous traction benefits. On unsecured or slippery surfaces, only a few milliseconds pass between the loss of grip in a wheel and the redistribution of drive force to the wheels which still have grip. With xDrive, starting on sand or climbing steep slopes with a loose surface are made easy for an X5. "With the new all-wheel drive system xDrive, active safety has been put at a new level since, in many cases, it prevents critical situations on the road from even occurring," said Seemann. "Its qualities, in terms of passive safety, were recently demonstrated in one of the toughest crash tests in the world. The BMW Sports Activity vehicle was the first so-called large off-roader to be awarded the highest possible ranking of five stars in the Euro NCAP test." The BMW X5 4.8is is available in five paint finishes; two of these - Imola Red and Le Mans Blue - are reserved exclusively for this top model. Inside, Crème Beige Nappa leather and Nappa leather / Alcantara trim are only available for the high performance 8-cylinder model. A wide range of other equipment features is available, including a large panorama glass roof, soft close function for the upper luggage compartment lid section and adaptive headlights. Middle East Telecom Liberalisation key agenda of CONNECT - Telecoms Summit in Dubai Customers can expect cost-reduction, value-added services, predict GSM operators DUBAI - May 25, 2004 - Liberalisation spells a revolutionary change in the Middle East telecoms sector, with several GSM operators in the region welcoming new players for the first time. The consequences of competition on incumbent operators' market position, and the impact this will have on the pricing and value-added services offered to customers will be the prime focus of discussions at CONNECT - The International Telecoms Summit. The Summit, that is being organised by IIR Telecoms and Technology at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dubai, from May 30 to June 2, 2004, will serve as a platform for leading regional and international operators and telecoms experts to share their opinions on the dynamic changes expected in the telecoms sector. Sabine Enthammer, Executive Director, IIR Middle East stated, "Liberalisation will throw open several challenges as well as new market opportunities for all players in the telecoms sector. Each operator will have to define its own positioning based on the services offered and pricing; which will ultimately deliver better choice to the customer. By bringing industry-wide telecoms players together, CONNECT - The International Telecoms Summit will offer a preview to what can be expected in this dynamic market scenario." Karim Sabbagh, Vice President, Booz Allen Hamilton, stated, "The telecommunications landscape in the Middle East has witnessed considerable change in recent years, moving from an overtly monopolistic and static environment to one that is spearheading change and, in the process, exhibiting unprecedented growth as well as contribution to the broader national economies." "With multiple telecoms operators to choose from, an escalation of customer expectations will be among the most significant developments. Customers will come to demand improved applications functionality, ease of access of multiple services, price competitiveness, and overall network performance. Technology progress will also drive increased accessibility, and, more importantly, affordability of telecommunications services. To illustrate, future converged networks are expected to offer a plethora of benefits versus traditional network with deployment costs lower by up to 50 percent and, similarly, operational costs lower by 25 percent," he continued. The impact of technology advancements is already noticeable in the mobile sector, where the cost of core infrastructure elements in 2nd Generation technology (2G) has witnessed a 90 percent drop over a period of 5 years, moving from an average aggregated cost per subscriber of US$ 2,000 in 1998 to less than US$ 200 in 2002-2003. Furthermore, significant upgrades that are complementary to the prevailing 2G technology have now become available at a fraction of the initial investment, providing in the process marked improvements in capacities and functionalities. Thus, the net impact of these advancements is a 'democratization' of telecommunications services. Liberalisation will also have a positive impact on the economies of participating countries in the Middle East. Referring to the Kuwaiti model, Sabbagh stated, "The Kuwaiti liberalization experience, which started in 1983 with the launch of Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC), provides clear findings on the benefits of early liberalization." In a joint study by Booz Allen Hamilton and INSEAD presented at the World Economic in 2002, Kuwait ranked along with the United Arab Emirates as a 'fast-track' market in terms of ICT readiness and application in the Arab world. This score was due, to a large extent, to the level of development of its telecom sector. CONNECT, with its focus on 'Maximizing Profitability in Competitive Telecoms Markets' will help bring these issues to the fore. The Summit, supported by Etisalat, sponsored by Motorola, and endorsed by UMTS Forum, Global Billing Association and the Telecommunications UK Fraud Forum, will feature 28 case studies and presentations from 19 regional and international operators. Participants at the Summit will also have a chance to win one of two V600 Motorola mobile phones by entering a lucky draw. SHIPPING EXPERTS TO CONVERGE ON DUBAI FOR SEATRADE MIDDLE EAST DUBAI Monday, May 24, 2004. International shipping industry leaders from upwards of 15 countries are to address Seatrade Middle East Maritime conference, to be held from December 6-8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.Global experts from countries such as Iran, Pakistan, the UK, China, the UAE, India, Thailand, Hong Kong, the USA, Sweden, the Bahamas, Mauritius, Monte Carlo and Monaco are to take the platform at the most powerful shipping industry meet yet seen in the Middle East. "Speakers will be of the very highest calibre representing the most authoritative and informed voices in the maritime industry," said Chris Hayman, Managing Director, Seatrade. "They are coming to Dubai to address key global as well as regional issues and their keenness to attend is a clear indicat ion that the emirate is now increasingly recognized as a global shipping and maritime hub." Seatrade Middle East Maritime will feature four distinct conference streams - General Shipping, the first Dubai Commodities Conference, organised in association with Dubai Metals & Commodities Centre, the fourth Seatrade Middle East Cruise Conference and a one-day conference on the expanding Super Yacht market in the region. "This event is set against a background of considerable growth in the shipping sectors, both internationally and regionally," said Hayman."Last year was a banner year for cargo movements across the Middle East, with Dubai Ports Authority reporting a record 23% growth in container throughput to reach a total of 5.15m TEU, and other ports showing high numbers as well. "Seatrade will examine what is driving this growth and what impact factors such as the reconstruction of Iraq have on the pattern and volume of cargoes." The Trading Shipping And Ports segment of the conference will also look at port expansion plans in place across the region. "It will focus on how the pattern of trade movement for the region will play out in the medium term and the intra-regional trade volumes between the Middle East and the Subcontinent as they continue to expand, with major change in prospect for the ports of India and Pakistan," added Hayman. Due to address the Trade Shipping and Ports segment are: Ali Ashraf Afkhami, Chairman and Managing Director of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL); Vice Admiral Ahmad Hayat, Chairman of Karachi Port Trust; Nick Hubbard, Director of international shipbroker Howe Robinson & Co Ltd; and Shi Zemin, Managing Director of COSCO West Asia, the world's largest shipping line headquartered in China. The second day of the General Shipping conference will be devoted to Investing In Shipping and Dry Bulk Cargoes. The Dubai Commodities Conference keynote session will also be held on the second day. "For Investing in Shipping, the programme will probe whether shipping is an attractive option for regional investors at a time of strong freight markets and abundant liquidity," said Hayman. "It will examine the new entrepreneurial spirit in regional shipping, joint ventures, the creation of a maritime services infrastructure for the region, and the role of ship-management." 'Investing In Shipping' speakers include: Dr. Peyman Ghaffari, President & CEO of the Aqua Group Inc.; Captain Jim Hayer, Projects Director - Shipping, Emirates National Oil Company Ltd (ENOC); Marcus Machin, Principal of ArabCapital; and Rhys Thomas, Director of the UK shipping interiors company Tufton Oceanic Ltd. Speakers scheduled for the first Dubai Commodities Conference include Dr David Rutledge, Executive Director - Commodities, Dubai Metals & Commodities Centre, Brian Perrott, Head of Commodities and Trade Group of leading UK law firm Hill Taylor Dickinson and Dr. James Fry, Managing Director, LMC International. The Dry Bulk Cargoes session will outline how West and Central Asia fits into the global picture and the forces affecting the scale and nature of demand for dry bulk transport. Speakers will include Khalid Hashim, Managing Director of Thailand's Precious Shipping Ltd; BSL Narayan, Group General Manager - Trading & Shipping, Emirates Trading Agency LLC and Director, Bright Shipping Co Ltd; and Farouq H. Rahimtoola, Chairman of Ray Shipping Enterprises Ltd & Asia Marine (Pvt) Ltd, Karachi and Chairman of the Pakistan Ship Agents Association. The third day of the General Shipping conference will feature Energy Demand & Tanker Transportatio, sponsored by British Airways, and Quality In Shipping, Security & The Environment."The Energy Demand session is set against a background of strong demand for oil and petroleum products and the acceleration of LNG exports and the burgeoning chemicals trade," explained Hayman. "It will explore the scale and likely future development of regional investment in energy transportation in the Middle East and Iran, as well as the outlook for ship-repair and new-building in the region." The session will feature a keynote address by Yusr H. Sultan, Chief Executive, Shipping, Terminaling and LPG, ENOC and Board Member of Gulf Energy Maritime. Other session speakers include Harry Theochari, Global Head of Shipping, Norton Rose; Colin Cridland, Head of Research, of the UK broker and marine technical consultancy Braemar Seascope; and M. Karbalaee, President & Vice Chairman of the Board of Iran Shipbuilding & Offshore Industries Complex Co (ISOICO). The Quality Shipping, Security and The Environment session is organised in association with the UAE branch of the Nautical Institute. "This session will examine the changing global regulatory framework for shipping companies and ports, looking at safety, quality and the environment and the specific challenges for the region," said Hayman. "It will also outline the key role of maritime training and education and feature a round-table debate on security and the ISPS Code, five months on." Session speakers include Rajaish Bajpaee, President of the International Ship Managers' Association and President & Group Managing Director of Hong Kong headquartered Eurasia Group of Companies; Duncan McKelvie, Chairman of the Nautical Institute (UAE Branch) and the marine representative in Dubai for NYK Line and Managing Director of Quadrant Marine Consultancy Services. Also speaking will be Andrew Winbow, Head, Policy and Planning of the Office of the Secretary General, International Maritime Organization.The fourth Seatrade Middle East Cruise Conference will run concurrently on December 6 and 7. It will feature four main sessions. A one-day training seminar for cruise and travel retailers in the region and a one-day conference on the Super Yacht market in the Gulf will be held on December 8. The opening session of the Cruise Conference will be devoted to unlocking the cruise potential of the Gulf and Indian Ocean. "The prospects for the development of cruise tourism in the Gulf and Indian Ocean look promising," said Hayman. "The conference will hear whether the time is right for the development of regional cruise products and, if so, what their defining characteristics should be." Other sessions will focus on Cruise Ports & Destinations and Regional Source Markets For Passengers. Speakers at the Cruise Conference will include Luis Ajamil, President of the USA's Bermello, Ajamil & Partners Inc; Lennart Ekstedt, Owner of Sweden's Tillberg Design AB; Emilio Freeman, Senior Vice President, Operations, ResidenSea Ltd; William Gibbons, Director, Passenger Shipping Association; Matz Jenssen, President & CEO of the Mauritius Cruise Line; Joyce Landry, President & CEO of Miami's Landry & Kling, Inc. meeting planners and John Tercek, Vice President, Commercial & New Business Development, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Speakers addressing the SuperYacht sessions include Nicholas Edmiston, Chairman of Edmiston & Company Limited; and Roberto Giorgi, CEO of marine services provider V Ships."The worldwide SuperYacht sector is currently growing at 6% a year and, over the past decade, the global SuperYacht fleet has almost doubled," said Hayman. "Since the fleet has a very low scrap rate, the market for repair and refit is expected to grow at the same rate as the fleet. The conference will look at how this pattern is impacting the SuperYacht market in the Gulf." Meanwhile, the Seatrade Middle East Maritime exhibition running alongside the conference is set to triple in size from last year's event. "To date we have exhibitors from 19 nations confirmed," explained Hayman. "Exhibitors are from throughout Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East, Far East, Subcontinent, North America and North Africa. The exhibitor profile spans shipbuilders to port operators, dry docks to fuel suppliers, shipping agencies and registers, maritime lawyers and consultants and a host of other related suppliers." Seatrade Middle East Maritime 2004 is being held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister. Organizations supporting the event include Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Dubai Shipping Agents Association; National Association of Freight Logistics UAE Branch; Indian National Shipowners' Association; the Nautical Institute UAE Branch; and the UAE National Ship Suppliers' Association. The event is sponsored by Dubai Maritime City, Dubai Ports Authority, the Government of Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, and the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL). Other sponsors include: Aalborg Industries A/S (Dubai branch); Aqua Group; British Airways; Castrol Marine; Clyde & Co; Dubai Metals & Commodities Centre; HSBC; Instone International; Lloyd's Register; Maritime London; Net Cruises; Norton Rose; Scan-Trans Chartering LLC; Sharaf Shipping Agency LLC and Nico International. Caption (Left to Right): Omar bin Hendi, Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation; Abdulla Khamis, Dubai Ports Authority; David Rutledge, Dubai Metals & Commodities Centre; Abdulla Al Shamsi, Dubai Shipping Agents Association; Chris Hayman, Seatrade; Awadh Al Seghayer, DTCM; Anwar Wajdi, DPA; Amer Ali, Dubai Maritime City.