Abu Dhabi pioneers in setting impressive trend for natural health products and services

The event is dedicated to the deep-rooted eras of the past which are now becoming fads and fashion of the present, 'Arab Naturals 2007 -Traditional, Complementary & Herbal Products Expo & Conferences' held from 4th - 6th December 2007 at Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The expo of the region stimulated progress in the natural products industry and supported this escalating fabrication with a mission to lead, unite and assist the natural and wellbeing sectors in its full diversity.

The three-day trade and consumer show, with the conferences and demonstrations held alongside, served as a vibrant platform spurring high-powered activity of international business and networking. The exuberance of optimism and excitement was quite evident throughout the exhibition.

Inaugurated by Mr. Saif Al Qubaisi, CEO of the Abu Dhabi Health Services Authority, as representative of His Excellency Dr Ahmad Al Mazrouie, Chairman and CEO, Health Authority-Abu Dhabi, 'Arab Naturals Expo & Conferences 2007, incorporating the Wellness Show' brought together several Ministries, Govt. Bodies and International associations, service providers; manufacturers, producers and distributors of a variety of natural and health products including natural cosmetics, supplements, herbal remedies, energy substitutes, alternative therapies and treatments, health and nutritional products, nutraceuticals, natural food and beverages, natural juices, dairy products, organic inputs, aromatherapy, yoga, naturopathy, music, fabrics and clothing, wellness and wellbeing products, manufacturing ingredients, etc.'

The show was further supported and endorsed by the Ministry of Health, UAE, International Associations such as Emirates Medical Association, Malaysian Herbal Corporation, Alliance for Natural Health United Kingdom, EC21 Korea, Korean Health Supplements Association, Pharmexcil India as well as the Indian Embassy in the UAE.

The event concluded with a superlative response featuring exhibitors from United States of America, United Kingdom, Australia, Morocco, Jordan, UAE, Oman, India, Malaysia, Canada, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Iran, Colombia, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and more.

The show attracted over 150 exhibitors and International Speakers from 25 countries. All exhibitors achieved their objectives and goals thus capitalizing on the fast growing traditional, complementary, natural and herbal market with its tremendous re-export potential. Almost all exhibitors at the expo expressed complete satisfaction at the overwhelming quality visitor response to the event.

The show attracted 2136 trade and professional visitors and about 1762 consumers, inciting over 80% of the exhibitors to repeat their participation for the 2008 enhanced edition of the event. Visitors were enthused by the quality of exhibitors and captivated by the wide array of products on display. Innovative and new launches generated special interest amongst the visitors. Spate of interests ranging from distributorship, agency, entering into joint ventures, alliances, contract manufacturing etc. were discussed and deliberated at the show.

The visitors comprised of Govt. dignitaries, Govt. departments to source inputs, royal family business groups interested in joint ventures and alliances, trading houses, distributors, wholesalers, importers, re-exporters, buyers, companies interested in sub-contracting, professionals, academicians, etc. from all over the Middle East and neighboring regions.

Some of the dignitaries and visitors included officials from the Indian Embassy in UAE, Academy of Complementary Medicine, Ahalia Hospital, Al Abraj Medical Services, Al Mazroui Medical, Al Madani Pharmaceutical, Bin Butti Group, Delta International, Diet and Nutrition Center, Dubai Cosmetics, Dubai Police Academy, DuPharm, Embassy of Bosnia, Emirates Herbal Center, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways, Etisalat Academy, Federal Dept of Nursing, Ministry of Health, Fujairah Medical Trading, Green Line Nutritional Products, Hayat Pharmaceuticals, Herbal International, Honey Well, Kuwait Swiss Food, Ministry of Environment, Mafraq Hospital, Sheikh Khalifa Hospital, Nutrition Herbs, Smart Health and Nutrition, Spa Holistics, Zayed University, the media and more. (This is not an exhaustive list.)

The dynamism and the swift maturity process of the industry which is passing through in the region were clearly demonstrated at the expo. The increasing popularity of the exhibition and conferences, with its propensity to grow warrants the need for the expo, and thus prompted us to launch the next edition, in an enhanced marketing and arena perspective, in November 2008 in Abu Dhabi - The Capital City.

Arab Naturals is all set to grow further year-on-year and upholds to reinforce its position as the premier show of its kind in the entire region and a platform to reckon with internationally.