Winners in the Dubai forklift challenge

George Kumi of Diesel Technic has been crowned the 2015 Forklift Operator of The Year at Materials Handling Middle East 2015.

Kumi came out on top of 77 contestants from throughout the UAE, as he successfully navigated 3 T of electric forklift machinery through narrow spaces, replicating a tight warehouse environment.

Kumi, who has been driving forklifts since 2010, was delighted with his win: "I knew I had done well, but I thought my friend had taken the lead from me early. From where I come from, we had a lot of training, which played its part in the final result, but it was really a lot of fun and I'm really happy."

Mohammed Aaga from Aramex came in second, while Imran Khan Jay from Baqer Mohibi Enterprises was third.

The event was part of Materials Handling Middle East 2015, which recorded double-digit growth in both visitors and exhibition space .

The biennial three-day event attracted 4,386 trade visitors from 55 countries, 30% more than its previous edition in 2013, while 129 exhibitors from 21 countries covered 15% more space at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The diversity, quality and innovation of products on show was evident, according to organisers, as the world's most trusted manufacturers showcased their latest wares, from Swisslog's popular AutoStore automated storage and order picking system, to Korean manufacturer Doosan's latest range of electric forklifts and heavy duty diesel forklifts.