Gulf Traffic, the region's major vertical conference and exhibition for the Middle East's traffic and transport industry held in Dubai for the first time last month, will move to a new venue next year to cater for an anticipated 350 per cent increase in floor space demand.

"Gulf Traffic 2002 was a phenomenal success," said Sami Al Hashmi, assistant director of Roads Department and head of Roads Planning Section, Dubai Municipality, the event's chief sponsor.

According to IIR Exhibitions & Conferences, the event's organiser, Gulf Traffic 2003 will be held between December 8-11, 2003, at Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC) across a floor space of 1,800 sq m, as early exhibitor bookings are strong.

"This year the event was a sell-out two months before its opening and our goal for next year is to double the number of participating companies to more than 200," said Davyd Farrell, exhibition manager, IIR Exhibitions & Conferences.

Dubai Municipality is also expected to renew its chief sponsor commitment for Gulf Traffic 2003.