Sportex opens

Endorsed by Dubai Sports Council and presented by Dubai Sports City, Sportex Middle East is showcasing the very latest in sports, fitness, health, outdoor and stadium equipment in the region this week.

Open to trade members and the general public, the show promises a hectic three days of business and fun. Special events taking place during the show include a Body Building Championship, while Mr Olympia Jay Cutler will be visiting the exhibition on Wednesday.

Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, President of show organisers International Expo-Consults (IEC), said:

"Now in its sixth year, Sportex has grown to become the business arena for the region's sports and leisure industry. Elements such as the Body Building Championship make this a very vibrant and exciting show, while the increasing number of exhibitors and visitors are testament to the growing interest in health and wellness in the region."

The Middle East is billed as one of the world's fastest growing regions for the travel and tourism industry. The region's sports and stadium equipment market alone is worth an estimated $2bn.

Sportex Middle East offers an exclusive event focused on this burgeoning market segment, providing a perfect platform for the launch of new products to a targeted audience.

One Sportex success story is In Muscle. Last year the company exhibited for the first time with four brands. This year In Muscle returns with 25 brands under its belt.

"We are promoting all our products, which are nutritional supplements. Visitors can pass by our stand and sample a protein milk shake. We are here to try and build awareness of the benefits of a healthy body," said Ahmad Kargar, general manager, In Muscle.

In Muscle has also launched its own industry magazine, called Physique, which will be distributed at the show.

China will be fielding a strong delegation at Sportex this week with a country pavilion promoting more than 12 exhibitors.

"We are a FIBA-approved manufacturer for wooden sports flooring. Sportex is the right platform to demonstrate our products and to network with the industry," said Philip Chu, international business manager, Merry Group.

"We are just entering into the international market. As a manufacturer based in Shanghai China, the Middle East market is a critical market for us because of its geographical location and economic strength. Rich cities are always full of sports, health and leisure industries."

Other national pavilions will include Korea, headed by the Seoul Olympics Sports Promotion Foundation, and Taiwan, headed by the Taiwan Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association.

Exhibitors at the 2008 edition of Sportex include camping and outdoor equipment, fitness equipment and accessories, indoor sports equipment, track and field sports equipment, shoes and apparels, nutrition, and sport stadium facilities.

Sportex 2008 is supported by the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI), a world authoritative body for the sports industry and officially recognized by the IOC.

Sportex 2008 will run until November 5 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.