Visitors sign up to volunteer for Expo 2020 Dubai

With less than 19 months left for the inauguration of the Expo 2020 Dubai, its organisers have further speeded up the pace of allocating contracts to thousands of local and foreign firms to ensure timely preparation of the event, which is set to be the largest of its kind in the Arab World, said experts.

The groundwork for the 173-day milestone Dubai exhibition have already spurred business opportunities for various sectors with logistics being one of the prime gainers. So far Expo 2020 Dubai has awarded 56 per cent of contracts to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Meanwhile, more than 26,000 companies from 150 countries have recently applied to be involved in the event.

“When foreign companies get contracts in the UAE, they need professional support of logistics specialists with wide local and international network to move their set up and equipment to the Gulf country,” said Shailesh Dash, the chairman of Dubai-based Gulf Pinnacle Logistics (GPL).

A logistics and transportation company advised by Regulus Capital, GPL aims to become a Mena-focused fully integrated logistics and transportation holding company.

“Contractors of Expo 2020, which is extraordinarily big in magnitude, therefore rely on reputable and experienced logistics players to become their strategic and operational partners. After all, freight forwarders do much more than moving containers. We guide organisers, contractors and exhibitors throughout different customs procedures, time frames and operational complexities,” stated Dash.

Rodney Viegas, CEO of AbdulMuhsen Shipping (AMS) and So Safe Logistics (SSL), two portfolio companies owned by GPL, said: “Thanks to the increased momentum of Expo 2020 preparations, the logistics sector in the UAE is witnessing a business boaom, when other sectors are observing slow growth.”

According to the 2019 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index, it ranks first in the region and third globally.

“Expo 2020 is expected to drive the logistics and supply chain segment even further and cement the UAE’s position as a global leader in logistics,” remarked Viegas.

Dharmesh Rustagi, head of logistics operations at AMS and SSL, said: “The throughput of non-containerised cargo Jebel Ali Port has been experiencing a steady upward movement with demand being driven by Expo 2020.”

Established in 1991, AMS handles the entire gamut of logistics services, which involve warehousing, transportation and shipping.