H. E. Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi opens ArabPlast and Tekno/Tube Arabia 2009

Sheikha Lubna commented that these industries were significant to the national economy and they contributed to accelerating the pace towards a more diversified economy in the UAE. She also said Dubai was defying the global crisis in diverse ways and the strong international presence in these exhibitions was proof of this trend.

Sheikha Lubna said that the fact that Arabplast and Tekno/Tube Arabia 2009 have attracted 900 exhibitors representing 34 countries at a total area of 35,000 sq. m. with an increase of 25% to last edition is clear evidence that the UAE is the ideal platform to target the Middle East market. It is also a sign according to Sheikha Lubna that these industries in the Gulf are not seriously affected by the crisis.

"The UAE has successfully emerged as the regional hub of the Middle East markets. International and regional industry players find this market lucrative for their operations. The importance of these exhibitions stems from the fact that state of the art technologies on par with latest international standards including tubes, plastics, industrial machinery and metals are being displayed at both shows,"

added Sheikha Lubna.

Arabplast and Tekno/Tube Arabia offers visitors access to a wide spectrum of technological innovations in the plastics, packaging, rubber, chemical and polymer and petrochemical, tubes and pipes, industrial machinery & machine tools, metal working machinery and welding machinery industries.

Satish Khanna, General Manager of Al Fajer Information & Services, co-organizer of both exhibitions underscored the significance of the plastics sector which attracted $5bn investments last year in GCC with over 1,253 industrial units operating in the Gulf.

Khanna, said:

"Plastics industry now accounts for 10.6 % of the total manufacturing in GCC, of which 4% investment is plastics and petrochemicals and this sector employs over 9% of the total work force in the GCC."

The region's leading international exhibitions on plastic, rubber, industrial machines, metal works, tubes and pipes are once again geared to host some of the biggest players in the 18th year.

Both exhibitions will feature the latest technology while simultaneously offering an interactive platform for key industry players. The rich source of raw materials such as petrochemicals and a demand projection of double digit growth in plastic rubber and tubes sectors in this region, will significantly contribute to the growth of both exhibitions.

Khanna added, "Arabplast's profile as one of the most successful international trade fairs focused on plastics, plastic packaging and processing and rubber industry has been raised remarkably through out the years with multi billion dollar deals have been closed through out the eight editions of the show. A series of global players are eager to make an entry into the Middle East market despite the credit crunch and will present the dynamics of plastics and rubber development to visiting trade professionals mainly from all across the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian sub-continent."

Also, national pavilions are participating in the shows like Germany, Austria, UK, Italy, Iran, Egypt, Korea, India while country group participation from China, Turkey, Taiwan, besides considerable individual companies from many countries.

Amidst the global financial crisis, the UAE manufacturing sector grew at 15% in the first three quarters of 2008 - a phenomenon that is pushing a growing number of existing companies and new investors to take advantage of the city's business-friendly environment, according to experts.

Further, the rising demand for tube products and the setting up of numerous industries is fuelling the growth in these markets, acting as a magnet for investing in regional and international industrial centers.

Khanna added, "Throughout nearly a decade, Tekno/Tube Arabia has given players in the manufacturing delivery chain the opportunity to exchange products, services and expertise. More importantly, each year our exhibitors bring new innovations that can help raise the standards for the manufacturing industry in the region."

There was a strong demand for machinery and industrial equipment, and in the Gulf region alone demand is expected to grow at 20% annually.