Key logistics individuals converged at the 3rd Middle East Logistics Awards (MELA) to honour individuals and companies for their excellence in performance at a gala event held on June 30 at the prestigious Monarch Hotel, Dubai.

Dubai Industrial City's Vice President, Rashed Al Ansari presented key awards on the night and underlined the importance of "planning and implementation" in any operation. Citing how military operations historically relied heavily upon logistics and realising the relevance of logistics in a highly networked global trade, he said that the UAE and in particular Dubai had made and was making substantial infrastructural investments, transforming the Emirate into a major logistics hub.

Audited by international auditors Horwath Mak, the MELA awards not only foster healthy competition but also bring about cohesiveness in the logistics industry, which is witnessing unrivalled growth.

Al-Futtaim was announced winner of the Best Importer category and seen here is Tom Nauwelaerts - Head of Logistics, Al-Futtaim Logistics, accepting the award from Salma Hareb, CEO, Economic Zones World.