HH Sheikh Hasher Bin Maktoum inaugurates Media and Marketing Show 2007

Nearly 30% larger than its previous edition, the pioneering exhibition in the Middle East will run until 13 November at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The event, which is hosting well-known names in the regional and global markets, has also drawn the partnership of major industry players. A concurrent two-day conference - organized in association with ITP - will highlight challenges and opportunities in the media and marketing sector in the UAE and the region.

Abdullah Abulhoul, Managing Director of Domus Group, said:

"We are delighted to host a bigger and a vastly enhanced event this year. Our success in attracting some of the biggest names in the industry only testifies the increasing relevance of the Media and Marketing Show as a key platform that showcases latest value adds and explores new avenues of growth."

"The event also offers ideal opportunities for professionals to network with experts responsible for shaping the industry's future in the region. This includes managing directors, marketing directors, media planners and buyers, advertising agencies and leading representatives from the corporate sector."

Driven by an unprecedented growth in real estate, automotive, banking, telecommunications, retail and luxury products, recent advertising trends have additionally reinforced the status of the Media and Marketing Show 2007 as a vital industry platform.

According to the International Advertising Association (IAA) 2006 figures, overall advertising spend was up 17% in 2005 to $5.4bn in the Middle East, and up 15% to more than $4.5bn in the Gulf region. This is forecasted to exceed $5bn this year. Country-wide breakup also confirms the rising trend, with Saudi Arabia registering 27% rise in 2004 to $891m, complemented by a 44% increase in Oman, 42% in Jordan, 28% in both Egypt and Qatar.

The show's prestigious exhibitor profile includes the Ipsos Group, the world's third largest survey-based research group that operates in the Middle East since 1988, MBC, the leading pan-Arab free-to-air news and entertainment channel; q.media - sole media representatives of the Al-Jazeera network, Qatar TV, Qatar Radio and Sawt Al Khalij; Korea Trade Centre; Korean Broadcasting Commission; ITP Publishing; Zee Network; Al Fujairah Creative City; City 7; Mediapolis; Applied Digital; Dubai Municipality; Pan Arab Research Centre, and Kuwaiti media major Al Watanyia. The event has also drawn the debut participation of leading companies from France and the US.

The event's conference segments will witness several prominent speakers from around the world sharing latest industry insights. Media experts including Andrew Neil, Scottish journalist and broadcaster; Editor Piers Morgan; James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways; Paul Charles, Virgin Atlantic; Mohammed Alabbar, Director General, Dubai Department of Economic Development; Joseph Ghoussoub, President of IAA; Avi Bhojani, CEO, Bates PanGulf; and Tarek Daouk, Managing Director, Bates PanGulf, are among those that will bring rich perspectives to the table.

In addition, the show also features a Training Zone, the Talent Zone as well as an Announcement Zone, which serves as an ideal platform for exhibitors to share their latest offerings with the media, industry peers and visitors.

The Media and Marketing Show, which focuses on latest developments in the advertising, broadcasting, entertainment, events, marketing, new media, outdoor advertising and publishing sectors, is open from 12:00 noon to 9:00 pm daily.