Ramadan Fair set to open at Expo Centre Sharjah on September 25

The Fair is an annual event held in conjunction with the Sharjah Ramadan Festival and is an integral part of the emirate's grand celebrations of Eid Al Fitr or the festival of breaking the fast.

This year's Ramadan Fair is scheduled to be held from September 25 - October 14. Occupying a total area of 12,000 sq.m., Indoor space, the event will host over 200 exhibitors from China, India, Iran, Pakistan, Singapore, Zimbabwe, Lebanon, and the UAE.

Displays will comprise of an extremely varied product range including gifts and novelties, textile and readymade garments, perfumes and cosmetics, stationery items and toys, home furniture and handicrafts, carpets and rugs, home appliances, sports equipment and wear, food items, electronics and electrical goods, household items, and leather garments.

Among the major exhibitors at Ramadan Fair 2007 will be Otazu - the famous fashion jewellery brand, Damas, Arabian Automobile, Air Arabia, Chen One, Modern Emirates Poultry, Taher & Sons, Al Mandoos, Embee Garments Factory, Ajmal's Perfumes, and Mecca Cola.

'Ramadan is a month of blessing marked by prayers, fasting, and charity,' said Mr. Saif Al Midfa, Director General, Expo Centre Sharjah.

'The holy month of Ramadan ends with the Eid Al Fitr festival, one of the most important Islamic celebrations. The festival is adorned by a sense of generosity and gratitude coupled with a joyous spirit. People dress in their finest clothes, decorate their homes with lights, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family. The Ramadan Fair is a perfect manifestation of that feeling,' he added.

Mr. Saif Al Midfa further added that all Islamic countries experienced a surge in retail spending during the Ramadan period.

'The UAE, like other Islamic countries, witnesses a substantial increase in retail spending during the holy month of Ramadan,' he said.

'It is estimated that retail spending in the country increases by atleast 15 % during this time. Besides the festive spirit, this trend may be attributed to the considerable numbers of visitors that the UAE receives during this period. The Ramadan Fair is primarily intended at providing visitors with a highly comprehensive collection of affordable consumer goods and services along with showcasing several entertainment events on the sidelines that are aimed at presenting fun and frolic filled evenings for the entire family,'

added Mr. Saif Al Midfa.

Like in all previous editions, this time too, a varied product profile and a range of highly enjoyable and family focused entertainment programmes will continue to thrill visitors to the Ramadan Fair.

More than 8,000 sq. m. have been dedicated at the venue to exclusively host several exciting and fun-filled game shows and rides for the entire family including pony and camel rides. Also, the various delectable dishes to be offered by a number of exclusive restaurants and cafeterias specially set up at the Fair will be another major attraction.

All visitors to the Ramadan Fair will be eligible to participate in the daily raffle draws and win fabulous prizes.

The 2006 edition of the Ramadan Fair had attracted 117,128 visitors from across the Middle East region. This year, it is expected that there will be a significant increase in visitor turnout over the 2006 edition.

The Ramadan Fair will be open till October 14, from 8.30 pm till 12.30 am during the Ramadan period, and from 4.30 pm till 11 pm during Eid holidays.

The Fair is an initiative of Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.