World toy market strides forward with sales set to reach Dhs317bn in 2010

By 2010 the worldwide toy sales are expected to grow to Dhs317bn ($86.4bn), an increase of 14% since 2008.

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

"In 2008, the world toy market was valued at Dhs278bn ($75.7bn), a growth of 5.3% from Dhs265bn ($72.0bn) in 2007."

"This constant growth is reflected in the Middle East Toy Fair, the region's largest trade exhibition for toys, stationery, child and baby related products," she added.

The study showed that 60% of children's population (in the age group 0-14) were living in Asia in 2007, followed by Africa at 21%, Europe at 6%, and the rest shared by North America and Latin/South America at 4% and 9% respectively.

Another interesting insight gleaned from recent reports is the fact that in 2008, 57% of kids aged 2-12 used video game systems (+1%) and 62% of kids used computers (+2%). Despite these gains, just as many kids are playing with toys (84%) and watching TV (94%) as they were in 2006.

This finding augurs well for traditional toy manufacturers that traditional toys still have an attraction for the new generation of children born in the information age.

The Middle East Toy Fair will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre March 23-25.

Leading international toy manufacturers from all over the world will display their latest products at the Middle East Toy Fair.

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.

It will also be the first time in the Middle East that Spielwarenmesse eG, the largest toy exhibition in the world, will be hosting "The World of Toys by Spielwarenmesse eG" at the exhibition.

The Middle East Toy Fair covers a wide spectrum of products from three main categories: Toys, Stationery and Back to School, and Baby and Infant.