Middle East Toy Fair inaugurated by H.E. Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair

Trade visitors will see the latest products from Ravensburger, Carrera, Pustefix, Steiff, Haba, Playmobil, Bburago, Gulf Greetings and other big names.

Ms. Elisabeth Brehl, Managing Director of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, trade fair organizers said, "During the Middle East Toy Fair visitors will be able to have a first look at the award winning toys in eight categories, which would be appearing on store shelves in the UAE and other Gulf countries in few weeks after the close of the exhibition. These toys will be displayed at a special awards stage at the show."

Winners were honoured on stage at the Networking Dinner, held on 23rd evening at the Jumeirah Sheraton Hotel Dubai Marina, in front of all exhibitors, invited VIPs and Press.

"Product launches from some of the biggest names in the industry will also be held. Among these will be six award winning toys from Lauwers Games that will be launched in the region via the Middle East Toy Fair."

Lauwers Games is exhibiting at the Middle East Toy Fair for the very first time. The company wants the region to get acquainted with their educational and award winning games. Present at their booth will be Arabic speaking staff for the duration of the fair.

Wild Republic is looking forward to replicate its last year's success at the Middle East Toy Fair. They will launch Mongo Grinders line of skateboarding animals, an addition to its growing line of eco-friendly Nature's Accent plush and fully biodegradable latex animal figures.

"As it brings us in contact with our customers not only in the UAE but those in the GCC, Middle East and Africa as most of them visit Toy Fair every year to keep themselves abreast of trends in the Toy industry as well as the stationery market,"

said Mr. Peter Bracken, Managing Director of Gulf Greetings, U.A.E.

"The quality of the exhibition constantly improves over the years and we meet valuable contacts from the Gulf countries."

Among the fun events scheduled during the three-day fair will be the Trikke up Demo area that has been set up at the exhibition hall where visitors can test drive the scooters.

Grownups are not excluded from the fun and games as remote control car enthusiasts will get a treat from RadioKontrol of Italy who has built a mini autodrome style stand where visitors can test their remote control cars.

On the third day, 25th March, at 2.00 pm a Rubik's cube competition organized by the Toy Store will be held where the pros will demonstrate how quickly the cube puzzle can be solved - blind folded!

Providing strong local flavour to this event are the cartoon characters from FREEJ, the much loved Arabic animation TV series. Freej will have a pavilion with many licensees showing off their merchandise. The characters will be walking about the exhibition area of the Middle East Toy Fair according to exhibition organizers Epoc Messe Frankfurt.

Freej was created by Mohammed Saeed Harib, creator and director of the Middle East's first ever 3D animated TV series; FREEJ is centered on four elderly Emirati women trying to live a peaceful life in the midst of the ever expanding city around them. The elderly Emiratis will be present at the show's opening.

"As in previous editions, Middle East Toy Fair 2009 will again feature short seminars, where all visitors and exhibitors are invited. New ideas and concepts are vital to ensure future growth of the toy business and our seminars aim at giving you new insights and the opportunity to speak to experts in various topics. This year, our main focus will lie on the African continent."

Ms. Brehl added, "Since early history, Dubai has occupied an outstanding position on the trade map of this region. In the last few years, trade between Dubai and the neighboring markets has registered a steady growth as more and more regional economies adopt free trade policies and realize the importance of Dubai as an international trading hub."

It will be the first time that Spielwarenmesse eG will be hosting "The World of Toys, by Spielwarenmesse eG." Spielwarenmesse eG is the largest fair for toys, hobbies and leisure held in the world.

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.

The Middle East Toy Fair is the region's largest trade exhibition for all child and baby related products from baby products, toys and kindergarten supplies, to games party products, school stationery and much more.

Middle East Toy Fair will be open from 11 am to 6.30 pm and admission is free for trade visitors upon registration. Those below the age of 16 will not be allowed entry.