Dubai's expo industry grows 20 per cent in last six months

During a tour of the exhibition - the Middle East's only international show for the chemical, petrochemical, chemical process technology, corrosion control and management industries - Al Abbar predicted the sector would grow further as a result of increased globalisation.

'Dubai will remain the hub for the region's exhibition industry, despite mounting competition from other countries, due to the high quality infrastructure and facilities we have to offer,' Al Abbar said.

At Chemtex and Corrosion Middle East 2002, Al Abbar confirmed Dubai is reviewing the exhibition and conference industries, with the aim of ensuring the emirate retains its regional market leading position.

'The study should be completed and ready for implementation within three months. One area we are looking at is how exhibitions and conferences are regulated,' he said.

Al Abbar praised the role of specialist trade shows, such as Chemtex & Corrosion, in bringing exhibitors and visitors to Dubai and boosting the emirate's travel and hospitality sectors.

At the exhibition Al Abbar received a 'Certificate of Goodwill', from the state government of Mississippi, praising the Dubai Government's efforts in building strong trade ties with the state. The certificate was presented by Joe Tatum, Chief Executive of Mississippi-based Loresco International, first time exhibitor at Chemtex & Corrosion and one of three US companies participating.

The exhibition, 66 per cent bigger than the last show, runs until Thursday night (March 14), at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, with over 70 companies and industry organisations from 19 countries taking part.

Among those participating at Chemtex and Corrosion Middle East are industry groups from India, Iran, Syria and Australia. Other countries represented include the UAE, United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, the Middle and Far East.