900 companies, from 28 countries are to participate in the Ramadan & Eid Festival 2004 - Abu Dhabi

In his speech at the pre-show press conference held today to announce the Festival, HE Ahmad Humaid Al Mazrouie, Director General of the General Exhibitions Corporation (GEC) said; that the eighth edition of the event is proof that the Ramadan & Eid Festival has become an established event, with a remarkable increase in both the space booked and the number of participating companies. This year there is 900 participating companies, from 28 countries and national pavilions from the UAE, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, India, Pakistan and South Africa. There will also be a large pavilion from the South East Asian countries this year.

Mr. Al Mazrouie pointed out that the event will be held this year over an area of 12,000 sqm, which is an increase of 100%, compared to last year's event, which occupied 6,672 sqm of space.

He added; "The event will witness an excellent combination of activities, including an entertainment village, international circus, various stage programmes, in addition to some folklore and heritage programmes. From Africa there will be the Masai Tribes and also the Red Indian Tribes from America, coming for the first time to the UAE". Mr. Al Mazrouie praised the Red Crescent for their support to the event.

He added; "The festival is the largest of its kind held in Abu Dhabi and will continue for the longest period. This festival is for all members of the family and will have various entertainment programmes, in addition to shopping and restaurants. The Shamshoon Arabs will also be presenting a sensational programme at the festival".