Region gears up for 4th Middle East Exclusive show

Speaking at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the location of the international luxury goods exhibition, managing director Justin Boutros said:

"This year we have already received more visitor registrations than last year. The number of exhibiting companies has reached 140, representing over 600 brands, which is a great success. The event is here to serve the hugely dynamic region and the burgeoning luxury goods market and we are delighted with the response so far."

Visitors from around the world - representatives from over 60 countries will be present - have been quick to recognise the potential not just within the traditional Middle East markets, such as Dubai, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, but also the potential of the greater Middle East region.

According to Swedish industry analyst group Generation DataBank, it is expected that this wider market will see an average growth of 11% per annum over the next five years. When compared to the global average of 5.7% it is clear to see that an extremely positive future lies ahead.

Commenting on the region's potential, Generation DataBank, managing director, Yngve Bia said: "There is no doubt that the growth of the business throughout the greater Middle East region is going to out perform the average global growth, and even the growth in the traditional Middle East countries."

The Middle East region along with Africa and the former CIS countries markets, also boasts the critical dynamic economy of India, which according to Paul Marks, director, Retail Management Solutions, will reach over $500m in terms of travel retail sales by 2020.

Middle East Exclusive is located in the heart of one of the world's fastest growing markets. The UAE is ranked 8th in the world out of the top 25 countries in terms of travel retail sales, according to Generation DataBank. Dubai Duty Free, which is the third largest duty free operator in the world, is a major contributor to this success. The award-winning retailer expects to reach a staggering $700m by the end of 2006 and by 2010 projected passenger figures for Dubai International Airport are 60 million.

Middle East Exclusive 2006 is a prime showcase for a wide spectrum of both international and local brands.

This year we are delighted to welcome Traveller Limited, a division of Chalhoub Group, which handles the supply of luxury goods to the region's inflight market. The UAE-based company has a customer portfolio of more than 14 airlines and its brand portfolio includes perfumes from brands, such as Chanel, YSL, Estée Lauder and Versace, and accessories from brands, such as Swarovski, St Dupont and Mercedes sunglasses.

Another new addition this year is the Irish Pavilion, which hosts select premium brands together with the Irish Food Board, such as Cooley's Distillery, Ireland's only independent distillery.

The German group of companies returns once again with a selection of key brands from the German market. Brands such as Art Deco, Bossner Golden Mile, Columbus globes, and Leo Wittwer will be showcasing their latest products.

Looking ahead to the opening of the three-day event, Justin Boutros said: "We look forward to welcoming our guests at the show. We have created Middle East Exclusive to help bridge the gap between the suppliers and the huge retail potential in the greater Middle East region. We hope that this commercial platform will provide the perfect environment to develop new business."

Middle East Exclusive Exhibition opening times are 10:30 am -06:30 pm and remains open till next Wednesday.