Region's biggest entertainment and event management expo takes centre stage in Dubai

With mega entertainment projects underway at Dubailand, Bawardi and Port Rashid, plus the burgeoning media and production zones, entertainment is playing a massive role in the country's economic development.

Speaking at the show Neil Hickman, Group Exhibitions Director of event organisers IIR Exhibitions Entertainment and Installations Technology Group said: "The presence of the Director General underlines the government's commitment to the future of entertainment and events in the country. This year's show has set a new record in terms of the number of exhibitors and the amount of exhibition space sold."

PALME 2008 is the Middle East's biggest gathering of entertainment industry professionals and organisers are expecting visitor numbers to top 8,500.

More than 800 companies are present at the show over three clearly defined vertical sectors, Install, MUSAC and Event 360. Combined they cover the entire spectrum of the entertainment industry, from cabling and lighting solutions to musical instruments and live acts.

On Sunday 27 April the Park Hyatt Hotel, hosts a special gala dinner to present the coveted Middle East Lighting Design Awards (MELDA).

MUSAC will host the semi-finals of the Pioneer-sponsored PALME DJ competition will be held on the27 and 28 of April. The finalists will hit the decks on the final day of PALME, with the best DJs battling it out for US$20,000 worth of prizes and the crown of undisputed king of the turntables.