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Dubai seen as first choice for global expo industry

DUBAI - Dubai is an international stage for trade exhibitions, positioned regionally but attracts global visitors and offers all the facilities available in Western Europe, the US or any other major Asian countries.

Mohammed A.R. Falaknaz, Vice-President, International Expo Consultants (IEC), Dubai, said: "The infrastructure and logistical facilities, the hospitality industry, together with a host of attractive incentives offered by the government have made Dubai the first choice for big name global exhibitors and trade visitors."

He said: "Global companies who decide to participate in exhibitions sense that Dubai, and so the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, is a one-stop location, that gives an opportunity for the executives to meet and finalise the deal under one-roof. This also gives Dubai an opportunity to meet consumer from different regions."

Falaknaz said: "However, while the exhibition industry as a whole has evolved so much over these years in Dubai, a lot more need to be done in creating awareness in making this industry more sophisticated in terms of latest products and bringing in advanced technology in various fields." IEC, which has a portfolio of eight exhibitions including the Franchising Middle East that just concluded at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, will continue to concentrate on industry-specific or more target-specific exhibitions just as it has been doing all these years registering sizeable growth, said Mr Falaknaz.

Mr Falaknaz said "IEC plans to increase its portfolios in the near future and is conducting market survey and industry research at present. Our innovative research team is our fundamental strength that has enabled us to focus on appropriate themes, try new ideas and keep us active globally."

"Our trade shows have registered 10-15 per cent every year over the years in terms of number of participants and exhibition area. In fact the Middle East Sign and Graphic Imaging has grown over eight to 10 times over these years as we keep adding specialty areas."

He said: "Though 2002 and 2003 were tough years for the industry in general when growth was nearly flat following the global downturn, the industry in Dubai managed a stable growth. We hope this year will make up for the last two years and as we have already witnessed during the FME 2004."

"The FME 2004, despite being first time, received an excellent response in terms of quality visitors and the number of serious enquiries. With such an excellent outcome, we have envisaged future plans for the show and we hope the participants to double. The words of Marcel Portman, Vice-President, Emerging Markets and Global Development, International Franchise Association (IFA), 'I can see where the show is heading,' is only an indication of the response that we had."

IEC's shows include Sportex Middle East, our first show and our strength from the beginning, Middle East Sign and Graphic Imaging, Automotive Aftermarket Middle East (AAME), The Theme Parks and Fun Centres show, Middle East Water Park show, Chemtex, UAE Trade Exhibition in India.

Besides this, the company organises two shows in South Africa, one in Kenya and one in India.