H.E Abdul Rehman Al Aowais opens Sportex

The inauguration was also attended by Sheikha Madiya bint Hasher Al Maktoum. The exclusive trade exhibition in the sports, health and fitness, and leisure industries brings together reputed international exhibitors from 15 countries. Showcasing hundreds of products and services across various sports and allied categories the event will run till the 29th of November at World Trade Centre.

Speaking at the inauguration, Sheikha Madiya said, "The overall pace of development across the region has catalysed the need for sports facilities and infrastructure. This need is further compounded by the fact that the entire region is looking towards sports tourism in a big way. Middle East started late in comparison to other countries but from what has been achieved and from the ambitious projects underway, the industry is in for tremendous growth."

The past few years have witnessed a surge in investment flow to the development of world class sports and leisure infrastructure in the UAE. Dubai surely has set the precedent with its excellent facilities, ambitious projects like the Dubai Sports City and hosting of international events across various sports. In addition to receiving attention from the government, sports, fitness, entertainment and leisure facilities attract major focus from sectors which include the hospitality industry, retail sector, educational institutions, sports authorities in the country and the booming fitness and wellbeing industry.

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", said Mohammed Falaknaz - president of International Expo Consults,organizers of Sportex.

Commenting on the growth of the market, Mohammed added, " the 40% growth of the exhibition in comparison to the previous year points to the growing market of sports , heath and fitness, and leisure industries and also to the increase in spending related to these industries in the Middle East."

Sportex 2006 will feature five country pavilions including participation from United Kingdom and Spain. The countries debuting in Sportex 2006 include Korea, Spain, Germany, Cyprus, UK and Italy.

The event is a perfect platform for suppliers and end users to come face to face and learn from each other, analyse market, assess problems, find solutions and discuss ideas. The exhibitor profiles includes 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. Some of the best know brands showcased include Nautilus, Asics and EAS.

Dubai Sports City Displays Stadia Plans

Dubai Sports City participation in the Sportex is aimed at creating greater awareness about the project and the investment opportunities its offers. Sportex will showcase the project model of the city in the exhibition arena. Dubbed as 'history in making', the 50 million square feet project is being build with an estimate cost of AED10 billion.

Mr. U. Balasubramanium, CEO Dubai Sports City said, " Sportex is an important event that gives an integrated preview of the sports, health, fitness and leisure industries in the region. It is a platform for the international industry to assess the business opportunities in the Middle East and that is exactly why we are here."

New Launches

Sportex reflects the importance and phenomenal growth of the sports and leisure industry in the Middle East by highlighting the latest technology and services from international manufacturers and suppliers.

Steal a Deal

The show includes the first ever retail fair that will be open to visitors for all the three days. Sports enthusiasts can look forward to great deals on sports accessories, apparel, footwear from well known international brands.