Dubai imports of toys and baby accessories worth over Dhs603m, according to Dubai Port statistics

Ms. Elisabeth Brehl, Managing Director of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organizers of the Middle East Toy Fair, said:

"The latest figures available from the Dubai Port has shown that more imported toys remained in the country during the three-year period under review from 2005 to 2008, as the amount of re-exported toys declined during the period."

"The GCC toy market relies heavily on imports as there is hardly any regional production of toys. With most of the worldwide production facilities for toys in Asia, the majority of toys are shipped from that region. However, 7% are imported directly from Europe and 3% from the US and Canada," she stated.

Ms. Brehl added that the import of toys to Dubai has grown over 16% in 2007. Re-exported toys in 2007 equated to a value of over Dhs334m. This figure emphasizes the role of Dubai as a distribution hub in the region. In the past years, the city has established itself as the central logistic and trading hub for the Middle East region because of the relatively simple import and re-exports procedures at the Dubai Ports. Countries like Iraq or Libya, which are difficult to reach directly for manufacturers, are served from Dubai through various distributors, exporters and other trading companies.

Ms. Brehl added, "The increased demand for toys and baby accessories are an indicator of the increased population and favorable demographics in the United Arab Emirates."

According to the latest available figures compiled by the Dubai Port, in 2006 and 2007, the toy imports were valued at Dhs518m and Dhs603m respectively, indicating an increase of 7%. In 2005, 2006 and 2007, the re-exports were valued at Dhs348m, Dhs339m, and Dhs334m respectively; or a decline in the value by 2.65% (2005) and 1.3% (2006).

Dubai's top 12 major re-export destinations in the GCC, CIS and African countries, in this order of importance are - Iran, Iraq, Algeria, Kuwait, Libya, Pakistan, Armenia, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, and Sudan. While the top countries exporting toys, and baby accessories to Dubai are China, European Countries, US and Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

In view of the increase in toy imports in this country, the international exhibitors wishing to tap the growing economy of this region stand to gain.

Ms. Brehl said, "The GCC and the Gulf countries are slightly affected by the economic downturn, but its growing young population ensures that there will be continuing growth and demand for toys, baby accessories and school stationery."

"These past few years there have been concerns about unsafe toys manufactured in Asia. The issue of toy safety and age appropriate toys was emphasized by members of the Toy Industry Association (U.S.) during the Middle East Toy Fair exhibition; as well as the continued presence of the Dubai Municipality," she pointed out.

The Middle East Toy Fair is the region's biggest trade exhibition for toys, baby and infant products, stationery and back-to-school products, games, hobbies, gifts, apparel and licensing. The specific areas will give visitors and exhibitors a place to source products and build new business relationships.

It is a unique platform for exhibitors to network with one another and meet major buyers, key industry players, and educators involved in the shaping of the Middle East toy market.