Arab Health to be 40 per cent bigger in 2004

Organiser IIR Exhibitions has contracted an additional 6,600 square metres for the show that will take place from January 18-21. The announcement comes in the wake of this year's record breaking event that saw visitor numbers grow by 15%.

"The substantial year-on-year growth of Arab Health reflects the Middle East's and especially Dubai's growing importance as a regional centre of healthcare development and the show's key role in bringing the latest and best medical technology to the Middle East," said John Hassett, Exhibitions Director for IIR's Healthcare Division.

"We are anticipating a significant increase in demand for exhibitor space, based on re-bookings and the high level of enquiries we have received so far.

"The decision to contract three more DIEC halls underlines our commitment to work closely with the industry to ensure Arab Health retains its role as one of the most important healthcare showcases in the world. It will enable visitors to access an even broader range of mainstream healthcare solutions," said Hassett.

Exhibitors that have re-booked and contracted for additional space in 2004 include Dubai's Arabian Millennium Trading, Sharjah's City Pharmacy, Saudi Arabia's Al Harbi Telecom, and US-headquartered Hill-Rom, that have all doubled their stand size. Other exhibitors with substantially larger displays will be Saudi Arabia's Yahmaa Medical Company, Switzerland's Schiller, Dubai's Modern Pharmaceutical Company and Sharjah's Al Hayat.

Arab Health 2004 will again feature a series of vertical segments, which have helped drive the event's growth. These will include four specialist arenas: Pharmacy, Arab Dentistry, MedLab, for laboratory and biotechnology products and International Health Services which is a specially focussed event for hospitals, clinics and contains its own recruitment facility for visitors to search through hundreds of health industry career opportunities.

"We have a number of innovations planned for 2004 that will add value to Arab Health for our visitors. We will be announcing the details shortly," said Hassett.

"We will also have an enlarged and accredited conference programme, covering critical regional medical issues, that will enable delegates to gain internationally recognised CME hours for attendance."