Dubai Sports City and Falaknaz Group announce Sportex Middle East 2005

Set to kick-off on the 7th of November '05 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, the exhibition will be larger in size as compared to last year and will be highlighted by specialised seminars on sports business and marketing in the Middle East.

This trade show, now in its 10th year, will feature for the first time an unprecedented actual running track at the exhibition centre for the visitors and fellow industry insiders to have the feel of the products. They will also have the chance to test the newest innovations and technologies in Sports and Leisure. Professionals from the Sporting industry have allocated a designated activity area for exhibiting techniques of various sports.

Targeting a prime and ever growing Sports and Leisure markets with an incremental growth each year, the event has been drawing a widening range of exhibitors eager to reap the exhibition's benefit.

Sportex Middle East & Gulf Stadia 2005 will feature companies from across the world, besides various pavilions that will showcase the latest in sports technology, apparels, accessories as well as sports venues and facilities including health and fitness clinics.

The 2006 edition of the show will witness another milestone through the launch of ARABGOLF, a trade fair for the best golf in the Gulf. Hamburg-based Planetfair, which also has a presence in Dubai, will hold it as part of Sportex Middle East 2006. Planetfair is the organiser of Hansegolf, one of Europe's leading trade fair for the Golfing industry, with 250 exhibitors and more than 20,000 visitors. ARABGOLF is aimed at establishing a professional platform for the manufacturers of golf equipment, developers and operators of golf courses, and the golf enthusiasts in the Middle East.

With the support of Dubai Sports City, the world's first purpose-built integrated sports city, the event promises numerous benefits for both visitors and exhibitors. Upon completion, Dubai Sports City will feature an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Dubai Desert Classic current title-holder Ernie Els. A 25,000 capacity spectacular cricket stadium and the world's first ICC Global Academy, a 60,000-seater stadium for rugby, football, and track and field events, a 15,000 capacity hockey stadium, 10,000 capacity indoor stadium for conferences, exhibitions and concerts.

Also included are 900 luxury villas within the gated golf residential community, Victory Heights town houses, apartments and commercial property, jogging and bicycle tracks, boulevards, hotels, restaurants and cafes, a 9,000 sq. ft. shopping mall with a dedicated sports shopping area, cinemas, international schools, a medical clinic and other related services.

Mr U Balasubramaniam, CEO-Dubai Sports City, informed the gathering that the Manchester United Soccer School will be starting its off-site training program this year onwards and there would be a participation kiosk at Sportex Middle East to facilitate registration and enquiries.

Speaking at the announcement, Mr Khalid Al Zarooni, President of Dubai Sports City, said, "Sportex is an excellent platform that demonstrates Dubai's growing popularity as a hub for the sporting world. The Dubai Sports City project is the first of its kind in the world, a unique concept that unites sports, lifestyle and business - obviously providing a natural synergy with Sportex 2005."

Sportex Middle East & Gulf Stadia is organised by the International Expo-Consults and will be held from 7-9 November 2005, at Sheikh Rashid Hall (Section-E), Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

"This will attract prospective business visitors from across the region, Asia and Europe. Over 5,000 professionals from over 30 countries are expected to visit the expo. This will be a great opportunity for the Middle East to showcase its immense investment opportunities in these sectors," added Mr. AbdulRahman Falaknaz, President - Falaknaz Group.