DWTC Launches 2010 Exhibition Calendar

These events are expected to attract a record number of industry leaders, buyers and visitors, setting the pace for a world class 2010 line up of DWTC-hosted events, according to a Press statement.

Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of DWTC said: “Our success in attracting leading exhibitions across a range of industries year on year is testimony to Dubai’s strength as the gateway for regional business.” With a vision to make Dubai the world’s leading destination for all major exhibitions, conferences and events, DWTC has evolved from being the forerunner of the fast growing exhibitions industry, into a multi-dimensional business catalyst, focusing on venues, events and real estate management.

This year, Arablab will be the first show launched in 2010, closely followed by five industry-leading shows — the International Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair (IFJA) and International Watch & Clock Fair (IWCF), the International Autumn Trade Fair (IATF), Intersec, Sign & Graphic Imaging Middle East and Arab Health.

Taking up combined 261,000 square metres of exhibition space, all six events will play a crucial role in driving traffic to the region, reinforcing the strength of Dubai as the regional business hub.

“DWTC’s recent expansion, providing over one million square feet of exhibition space, provides the enabling infrastructure to cater to the continued growth in the events sector and business tourism for the wider region,” Almarri said.

“With our global world class calendar of events lined up for 2010, we look forward to welcoming visitors from across the world and providing the ideal platform for business networking,” he added. Arablab is the only trade exhibition for the Analytical Industry that reaches buyers from the growth markets such as the Indian Sub-Continent, South East Asia and Africa.

The event recorded an outstanding 20 per cent increase in size last year as over 760 exhibitors from over 48 countries participated in the four-day exhibition.

The International Fashion Jewellery and Accessories Fair, or IFJA and International Watch & Clock Fair (IWCF), specialised fairs dedicated to the fashion jewellery and watch industries, and International Autumn Trade Fair (IATF), one of the region’s most dedicated consumer goods exhibitions connecting regional and global consumer markets, will be held concurrently from January 17-19.

Hosted at the DICEC, these events emphasise DWTC’s continued commitment to facilitating Dubai’s strategic investments in growing sectors like retail by providing the industry with an ideal networking platform and access to emerging global consumer trends.

Also set to take place from January 17-19, the DICEC will host more than 700 exhibitors and over 17,000 trade visitors from 95 countries at Intersec, the Middle East’s largest gathering for professionals involved in the industries of commercial security, fire and rescue, safety and health, homeland security and policing.

Sign and Graphic Imaging Middle East, now in its 12 year, is a specialised three-day event dedicated to the Middle East’s signage, outdoor media, screen and digital printing industries. Scheduled to begin on January 25, Sign and Graphic Imaging Middle East is the largest and longest running show of its kind attracting key exhibitors and visitors from across the GCC, Mena region, Southeast Asia and Africa.

Arab Health, taking place from January 25-28, is the largest healthcare exhibition in the Middle East, and the second largest in the world.

With the addition of DWTC’s new Shaikh Saeed Halls, Arab Health 2010 will have an additional 25,000 square metres of floor space, allowing for a record number of exhibitors and visitors to attend.

Over 2,700 exhibitors from 66 countries are expected, highlighting the continued growth of the robust UAE healthcare sector.

· business@khaleejtimes.com