Sheikh Ahmed is the new patron for Materials Handling Middle East.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum has been named the patron of Materials Handling Middle East.

Sheikh Ahmed is the president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline.

Elisabeth Brehl, managing director of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organiser of the event, says they are delighted to have Sheikh Ahmed as the event's patron. "His vision is the perfect metaphor for the convergence of transportation and logistics services and infrastructure into an integrated whole.

"He understands the forces of globalisation and the role of supply chains as a major drive to meet challenges and opportunities."

Sheikh Ahmed says Materials Handling Middle East is an example of providing innovative solutions to the evolving advancement in the transportation and logistics industries. "The transportation and logistics market of the UAE is one of the most dynamic in the global business scene today."

Materials Handling Middle East is the international exhibition for logistics, supply chain, freight, and cargo products and services. The event will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 31 May to 2 June 2009.

Recent developments have increased the investment in the Middle East's logistics industry to AED 221 billion ($60 billion) in 2008, according to Epoc Messe Frankfurt.