HH Sheika Roudha opens her first international expo

Touring the show with a party of over 50 VVIP guests, HH Sheikha Roudha, who named poetry and horse-back riding as her favourite hobbies, said: "I love this show and have met with international designers from all over the world. Dubai will be the regional centre for the wedding industry because of its commercial standing."

The official opening of the show, which is organised by IIR Exhibitions, was followed by a spectacular cultural dance sponsored by UAE jewellery giant Damas, which used The Bride Show Dubai 2005 to unveil its Bridal Collection - a range of diamond jewellery pieces.

The Bride Show Dubai 2005, which runs at the DIEC until Friday night (April 15), features over 200 exhibitors from the whole spectrum of the wedding sector. The show also features over 20 fashion shows by leading international and regional designers. The highly anticipated Swarovski Young Designers Award will form the grand finale of the exhibition.

"Our show has already doubled in size over the last year and this will be the biggest show in the event's eight-year history," said Charlotte Proudman, Event Manager, The Bride Show Dubai 2005.

"We're also expecting over 20,000 visitors at the event - a rise of over 60% on last year."

The Bride Show 2005 is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Ladies Club.

Diamond sponsors of The Bride Show 2005 include Swarovski, Abu Haleeqa, Eternity Jewellery, Paris Gallery Day Spa, Moora Beauty Salon, Al Boom Tourist Village, Hafeet Gardens, Melady, Lenôtre, Reem Studio and Light House Stage Design.