Industry UAE Apex Body demonstrates buoyancy and resilience in the face of the pandemic
The 33rd AGM of the National Association of Freight & Logistics (NAFL) was recently commemorated amid much fanfare in the opulent ambience of the Al Jaddaf Waterfront Ballroom of the Versace Pallazzo Dubai. The well-attended, in person meeting, conducted amid strict enforcement Covid-19 protocols and regulations, signaled renewed hope and optimism ahead for the industry despite challenges.
Assurance
In her keynote address, Nadia Abdul Aziz, President, NAFL& Vice President, FIATA, lauded the Association’s 2020 performance and its resolve to stem the tide and buck trends. She assured that NAFL would stand shoulder to shoulder with members to empower and equip members in these challenging times. Ms. Nadia assured the assembly that the NAFL stood rock solid behind its members and would endeavour to represent and work in their interest and to protect the interests of the industry. She expressed confidence that the current situation notwithstanding, the logistics and freight industry in the UAE would continue to grow from strength to strength.
Ms. Nadia also reiterated that NAFL aims to support its members in these difficult times, by offering them sponsored trainings after the Eid Al Fitr holidays. She advocated a culture of openness and sincerity at NAFL so that all relevant and pressing industry issues are appropriately discussed internally and then communicated and conveyed to all concerned government offices through detailed reports on the challenges and solutions. “NAFL will stand in solidarity and in unity and pledge to work closely with our members to overcome current difficulties and sustain their businesses,” she affirmed.
Pioneer
To this end, NAFL as a long-established, responsible representative body and the first of its kind in the GCC, is also working closely with the Government, other Governmental bodies and regulators to ensure that the growth, stability and viability of the freight and logistics sector in the UAE. Nadia further reiterated that the Government was mindful of both the importance and indispensability of the industry. Simultaneously, both representation and engagement with associates, constituents and Government are pivotal to guarantee an ecosystem for progress and productivity. 
Due to Dubai’s bold initiatives and the UAE’s global connectivity and excellent infrastructure, we are the global hub for the distribution and storage of vaccines and take the top place for humanitarian aid distribution. Thanks also to the logistics industry in the UAE which has risen to the occasion to make certain that movement and distribution of goods continues unimpeded, seamless and in a streamlined manner,” she observed. 
Highlights: Some of the highlights of her speech were:
- NAFL will be working closely with Expo 2020 and organizers and will ensure all members are advised and trained on all rules and regulations in line with Expo procedures and contracts.
- NAFL will be participating and supporting big global exhibitions during the Expo period such as Hypermotion show and the Air Show Cargo Connect Conference.
- Expo 2020 would be a great platform to network and engage with multiple national, regional and international stakeholders from over 190 participating countries.
