UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has released the findings of its study on “The Exhibition Industry in the GCC – Facts and Figures.” The study was released during a…
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has released the findings of its study on “The Exhibition Industry in the GCC – Facts and Figures.” The study was released during apress conference hosted by UFI member, the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Participants at the Press Conference were: Jochen Witt, UFI President; H.E. Ahmed Humaid Al Mazrouie, UFI Middle East/Africa Chapter Chairman; and Mr. Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre. The research for this study on the exhibition industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states was conducted by the UFI Middle East/Africa Office in Abu Dhabi.
Report findings indicate that the exhibition industry in the GCC states has entered a significant “boom and adjustment” period. This clearly reflects the overall prosperity and modernization process underway in the region. The number of organized exhibitions continues to increase, while exhibition venues are being enlarged and modernized in order to match rising market needs.
Jochen Witt, UFI President, said: “It is clear that the GCC exhibitions market is in a period of significant expansion, demonstrated by the increasing sophistication and economic value of the regional event sector. We are delighted to see the emergence of such a health regional exhibitions industry, which will continue to develop international prominence.”
Today 16 exhibition centres are in operation in the GCC states, providing a total net covered exhibition space of 243,300sq.m. By 2009, four new centres will be operational, raising the GCC’s total available exhibition space to 429,800sq.m, – a 76.6% increase over current capacity.
In 2006, 289 trade fairs were held in the GCC states, an increase of 40% since 2002. Sixteen new trade fairs and exhibitions will be launched in 2007. Consumer Goods and Education lead the exhibition themes for which exhibitions are being organized.
“The research report demonstrates the dynamism of the GCC market, which continues to expand at an impressive rate. Ongoing investment and the delivery of new, industry-specific congresses and conferences will enable us to maintain this dynamic growth,” concluded H.E. Ahmed Humaid Al Mazrouie, UFI Middle East/Africa Chapter Chairman.
The growth in exhibition surface reflects an adjustment of the venue offer towards the exhibition organizer’s demand. It echoes the current trend towards the development of city and industrial infrastructures in the region. It also mirrors government policy encouraging the development and expansion of the private sector and the attraction of foreign investment.
“Membership of UFI has delivered a number of strong benefits for Dubai World Trade Centre, including access to this essential report. The ongoing growth and development of the region’s exhibitions industry offers major opportunities to companies in this sector, which we are all working hard to capitalize upon,” said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre.
Click here to see the Executive Summary of UFI survey
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