Sportex launches busiest ever Dubai exhibition season

The show has participants from 17 countries, spanning North America, Europe, the Middle East, Sub Continent and the Far East. It was inaugurated by Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, President of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"The opening of Sportex Middle East, and two other events today, represents a very successful and exciting beginning to the Dubai exhibition season," Al Tayer said. "The large number of exhibitions scheduled for the remainder of this year and 2005 underlines Dubai's status as the commercial hub of the Middle East.

"In the 20 years that Dubai has been staging exhibitions it has firmly established itself on the world map. We expect to see continued strong growth in this sector."

Exhibitors at Sportex Middle East 2004, organized by International Expo Consults (IEC), are targeting the region's mullti-million US dollar sports and leisure market that is demonstrating 23% annual growth. In the UAE alone the sector is valued at US $41 million.

"Representing a core segment population exceeding 23 million, Sportex Middle East is a unique trade show, presenting an unrivalled business opportunity to reach a prime, maturing market, with a proven commitment, from both government and the private sector, to developing first class sports facilities," said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice President, IEC.

"Sport plays an important role in the life of the region's communities. It brings many social and health benefits. Sportex acts as a knowledge source for everyone involved in the sports and leisure industries by providing access to the latest trends and state-of-the-art equipment."

As part of IEC's determination to broaden the appeal of the event, Sportex 2004, for the first time, features Gulf Stadia that will showcase a range of stadium related equipment.

"Gulf Stadia is a direct result of growing demand throughout the region for modern sports venues, said Falaknaz. "Major sports facilities under construction or planned include the Sports City's in Bahrain and Dubai and the infrastructure for the Asian Games in Qatar. Also driving market growth is significant government investment in community sports amenities throughout the Middle East."

Among the countries represented at the exhibition is China with its first Sportex Middle East and Gulf Stadia national pavilion housing nine companies. Other countries participating are South Africa, making its debut at the event, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Belgium, Lebanon, Pakistan, Taiwan, the Netherlands, Russia, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Iran and the UAE.

Sportex Middle East 2004 and Gulf Stadia will run until September 9 in Hall 4, at the DIEC. Opening times are from 10am to 1pm and 4.30pm to 8.30pm. Tuesday and Wednesday are restricted to trade visitors. On Thursday the event will be open to the general public. Entrance is free.