Supply Chain and Transport Awards (SCATA) 2008

Following the success of the inaugural Supply Chain and Transport Awards (SCATA) last year, the prestigious ceremony returns to Dubai in May to celebrate the achievements of individuals and companies within the Middle East's booming logistics industry.

Organised by magazine publisher ITP Business, the annual Supply Chain and Transport Awards (SCATA) has established itself as the ultimate celebration of the air cargo industry's achievements over the past 12 months in the Middle East.

The prestigious event was inaugurated in Dubai last year and proved a monumental success, leveraging the breadth and experience of ITP's market leading transportation magazines, including Air Cargo Middle East & India, Logistics Middle East, Sea Freight Middle East and Aviation Business.

One year later, and the leading players from the Middle East transport industry are preparing to converge in Dubai once again for the forthcoming SCATA 2008 ceremony, which is scheduled to take place at a glamorous five-star hotel in May.

"Although the competition to succeed in the Middle East's supply chain and transportation sector is fierce, the region has continued to produce some of the most exciting trade opportunities in the world for the logistics industry," says Walid Akawi, CEO of ITP Publishing Group.

The SCATA 2008 ceremony will consist of 16 categories in total, covering the air cargo, logistics and sea freight sectors. Nominations are being invited online and will be assessed by a prestigious panel of experts, selected from within the Middle East air cargo industry.

The judges will once again include Michael Proffitt (CEO of Dubai Logistics City), Issa Baluch (CEO of Swift Freight International), Captain Mansoor Ghafoor (CEO of STALCO Group and president of the National Association of Freight and Logistics), Dr Kanak Madrecha (senior manager of Dubai World and founding member of the Supply Chain & Logistics Group) and Professor Cedwyn Fernandes (chair of the College of Graduate Studies at the University of Wollongong in Dubai).

A new addition to the judging panel in 2008 is Sebastian Thomas, logistics manager of Al-Futtaim's retail division and winner of last year's SCATA award for Logistics Manager of the Year.

"The transportation magazines published by ITP Business are considered a leading voice for the transport industry in the Middle East. Now, with the second annual SCATA awards, the biggest achievers from our industry will once again receive the recognition they deserve," says Michael Proffitt, CEO of Dubai Logistics City.

"I look forward to joining other members of the esteemed judging panel in reviewing another set of excellent submissions," he concludes.

For more information on the awards visit http://www.itp.net/events/scata.

Air cargo

Air Cargo Hub of the Year

Awarded to the airfreight facility that has consistently delivered world-class service across the Middle East over the past 12 months.

Facilities are asked to provide evidence of exceptional performance in one or more contracts.

Examples of corporate social responsibility and good environmental practices will be taken into account, as will business incentives, technical innovations and contribution to the region's reputation as a centre of excellence.

Cargo Operator of the Year (Commercial Airline)

Awarded to the cargo division of a commercial airline that has delivered a consistent industry-leadingservice in the Middle East and throughout the world over the past 12 months. Companies are asked to provide evidence of exceptional performance.