Sportex Middle East 2006 announced

The fourth edition of the exclusive business to business event that caters to the lucrative Middle East sports and leisure industry is scheduled from 27-29 November 2006, Hall 4, Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

Announcing the event, Mr.Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, President, International Expo Consults - the organizers of Sportex, said, 'The Middle East sporting goods & stadia equipment market alone is today worth US$2 billion, which equals to 2.5% of the global market. Sportex 06 provides an excellent opportunity to study the market, forge tie-ups and network with the industry decision makers.'

'The event itself has recorded a 40% growth over previous year. The event is very relevant for organizations and people involved in the development of sports, stadia and fitness facilities, sports authorities, real estate developers, educational institutions and the hospitality industry', added Mr. Abdul Rehman Falaknaz.

Global leaders across various industry categories in sports, fitness and leisure would bring their latest and the most innovative products and service concepts to the trade-event. Additionally, Sportex 2006 will provide a preview of Indoor-Outdoor Sports Equipment, Stadia, Court and Gym Equipment, Health Foods, Sports Apparel, Shoes and accessories, Sports Publications, lifestyle products like Saunas, Jaccuzi, steam rooms, Sports venues and facilities like fitness clinics.

More and more counties are awakening to the business potential of Middle East markets is evident from the fact that exhibitors from United Kingdom, Russia, India , Germany among other countries, would be vying for visitor attention. The five national pavilions from UK, Spain , Korea, Taiwan and China further validate the industry interest.

Dubai Sports City has pledged its support to the event. Confirming the same Mr. U. Balasubramanium, CEO Dubai Sports City said, 'We are happy to support Sportex as it is an important event that gives an integrated preview of the sports, health, fitness and leisure industries in the region. Our support to the event is very much in line with our various initiatives aimed at facilitating positive contribution to the development of sports in this part of the world.'

Yet another positive contribution comes in the form of Middle East Fitness Summit (Mefit-06).Organized in conjunction with Mefitpro (Middle East Fitness Professionals), the summit will bring together high profile fitness experts from around the globe. These experts would upgrade the knowledge and skills of around 500 fitness instructors in the region. They will also discuss various aspects of health and fitness and address the various lifestyle issues that are assuming pandemic proportions in the Middle East.

Sportex is also playing its part in popularizing sports among the youth. Many interesting activities are lined up. A body building competition under the patronage of Emirates Body Building and Weight Lifting Federation would see contestants vying for titles in two categories.

Expressing happiness over participation in Sportex, Hussain A. Al. Saffar, General Secretary, Arab Body Building Association and Assistant Secretary of UAE Federation said, 'As an international event, Sportex can serve as the right platform to encourage sports and fitness activities. In line with our vision of popularizing sports and fitness in the country, the event would serve to motivate the younger generation and at the same time showcase the local talent.'

Manchester United Soccer School's kiosk that actually enables football enthusiasts to evaluate their kicking skills would be yet another highlight of the event. In addition, martial arts display and aerobic dance performance by Swingers would be among many other attractions of the event.