Cutting-edge international eyewear fashion heads for Dubai

To be held from 6 - 8 March 2007 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), the organiser, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is well poised to deliver one of the most spectacular exhibitions of its kind in the Middle East, as the market for fashionable eyewear continues to grow.

"Eyewear and optical products are now highly sought after in the Middle East and the market continues to offer significant potential for growth and development. Designed to meet the needs of the industry, Vision-X Dubai provides significant opportunities for international firms looking to enter this fast-developing market, as well as for regional groups looking to build their global profile," commented Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre.

The region's lucrative and aspirational eyewear market has grown rapidly in recent years, with sunglasses in particular seen as "must-have" fashion accessories and important signatures of personal style. In the Middle East, the market for high-end ophthalmic products and branded optical aids is now worth over USD 2 billion.

Reading glasses and the accessories that go with them are also an increasingly important market, particularly as the Middle East population changes, becoming more demographically diverse.

"Designers are working hard to create a wide range of fun, funky eyewear this season, and we wanted to bring the best of their new creations to Vision-X Dubai. People in the Middle East are becoming increasingly demanding for the latest styles and accessories, and it is important that this trade show reflects such strong consumer interest,"

said Lucy Clarke, Project Manager, Vision-X Dubai.

As a trade show, Vision-X Dubai has reflected the shifting demands of the market, starting as a predominantly medical sector-focused event, which is increasingly attracting more high-end fashion brands as exhibitors look to complement the more traditional optical and ophthalmic health offering.

The demand growth in the respective sectors has also prompted the annualisation of the event. Compared to last year, Vision-X Dubai 2007 has increased by more than 30%, with a significant number of the new exhibitors sitting firmly in the fashion camp.

Major brands on show this year will include global top names such as Chloe, Faberge, French Connection, Lacoste, Nina Ricci, Paco Rabanne, Porsche, Rodenstock, and Speedo.

Platinum sponsor Rodenstock - one of the world's leading companies in ophthalmic optics - is confident of a positive response from the Middle East market.

Stephanie Klattenbacher of Rodenstock explains: "Rodenstock places a lot of emphasis on providing designs that emphasise the personality of the wearer. We see a lot of potential for ongoing growth in the Middle East market - and in the wider developing market that Dubai provides access to - and so are delighted to increase our presence at Vision-X Dubai 2007."

The 2006 show saw a variety of regional launches of exciting new models, and Vision-X Dubai this year is well set to continue its good track record of encouraging "frame innovation," where a variety of materials and colours are deployed to offer stylish and striking frames for glasses and sunglasses.

Vision-X Dubai will be held in Hall 5 and 6 of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) from 6 - 8 March 2007. The Vision-X Dubai Conference, organised by Emirates Medical Association Ophthalmic Society (EMAOS) will be held on 7 - 8 March 2007.