Less than a week to go until region's largest toy fair opens

The event will be host to leading toy manufacturers, distributors of child and baby related products, stationery and educational supplies, to over 5,000 visitors from 100 countries.

By 2010 the worldwide toy sales are expected to grow to Dhs317bn, an increase of 14% since 2008 (Dhs278bn).

International toy manufacturers are interested in seeking new markets where the industry is still strong and lucrative, like that of the UAE's. UAE ranks 7th in the worldwide list of the top 10 toy importing countries, reported Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organizers of the Middle East Toy Fair.

"According to the latest figures compiled by the Dubai Ports, the toy imports witnessed an increase of 7% since 2006, valued at Dhs603m for 2007, out of which approx. 55% (Dhs334m) is re-exported to the neighboring GCC and African countries,"

said Elisabeth Brehl, Managing Director of Epoc Messe Frankfurt.

Ms. Brehl added: "The figures and appealing demographics reveal that the market of the Middle East puts a premium on spends related to the children's upbringing and education. The Middle East Toy Fair is uniquely well-placed to enable international and local exhibitors to reach out to key customers, and help them in achieving their business goals at the fair."

The most awaited feature of the Middle East Toy Fair is the Toy Fair Awards, which recognizes the latest path-breaking products from eight broad categories. The products awarded and short-listed will be on an exclusive display at the exhibition to the market, and will be commercially launched in the Middle East for the very first time, post few weeks after the close of the exhibition. The awards ceremony will be held on the evening of March 23, at the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort.

The young GCC population offers major business opportunities to the baby and infant market. Recent statistics indicate that the birth rates for Saudi Arabia and the UAE are growing annually at a rate of 2.8% and 1.61% respectively; compared to 1.1% in the UK and 1.4% in the US.

The top brands participating in the Middle East Toy Fair, such as Freej, Gulf Greetings, Hamleys, Playmobil, Haba, Steiff, Simba, Smoby, Vtech, Clementino, Ravensburger, Carrera, Lauwers Games, Playgro and many more, are looking forward to their success across the region and in surrounding countries that look to Dubai for sourcing the latest concepts and designs. These countries can emerge as an important toy export or import destinations for Dubai. As in many other consumer markets, Dubai's strategic location enables it to tap surrounding markets like the Levant, Iran, Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia and the Indian Subcontinent.

The world's largest toy fair Spielwarenmesse eG will spearhead a "World of Toys by Spielwarenmesse eG" pavilion of top international toy makers and distributors, in Dubai from March 23 to 25 2009.

Replicating their last year's success at the Middle East Toy Fair, the Toy Industry Association Inc (TIA) from the US, will once again showcase the TIA members in Dubai, introducing their latest products and innovations.

Middle East Toy Fair in 2009 will also feature seminars, with main focus on the African continent. Mr. Navad Hassan will speak about "The African market and the UAE's rising re-export trade with emerging markets in Africa", and Mr. Baba Yunus Muhammad will give a presentation on "The need for culturally and socially adaptable toys for the early childhood education system in the Africa".

Presented this year at the Middle East Toy Fair along with various product demonstrations, is the Rubik's Competition with the support of the World Cube Association and organized by The Toy Store. Some of the world's greatest Rubik's Cube puzzle-solvers will compete in front of a live audience.