Inaugural gulfBID exhibition attracts massive global interest

The event, to be held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) from May 16 to 18, is being jointly organised by dmg world media Dubai Ltd., and Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE).

'gulfBID targets the Gulf's building and interiors market, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar, in addition to the Iraqi and Iranian markets,' said Bernard Walsh, Managing Director of dmg world media Dubai. 'Bahrain's geographic location as a close neighbour to Saudi Arabia will benefit exhibitors greatly, as it offers access to an economy which is the industrial powerhouse in the region and home to over 27 million people.'

Bahrain is the scene of massive growth and development, especially in the property and construction sectors, and never before has the kingdom been home to so many multi-billion dollar projects. It's no surprise therefore, that gulfBID has attracted such exceptional interest, proof of which is the fact that the UK government has agreed to financially support companies who want to take part in the exhibition.

dmg world media Dubai already has a track record of success in the construction and interiors sector through the region's largest construction and interior design exhibitions - The Big 5 and Index - which are staged annually in Dubai.

'Based on the proven success of these two globally significant exhibitions, we expect gulfBID to rapidly establish itself as the third largest industry event in the region,' added Walsh. 'Initially the show will fill one hall, but we expect that it's growth will mirror our experience in Dubai and that further expansion of the show will prove to be dynamic.'

gulfBID has been designed as the platform for a wide range of products serving the construction sector, including building materials, heating and cooling technology, water technology and the environment, flooring, cleaning and maintenance, glass and aluminium, roofing and cladding, real estate and architecture and engineering.

It will also feature a wide and diverse range of interior design products and services that will include furniture, fabrics, wall coverings, lighting, bathrooms, kitchens, artworks and accessories as well as marble and stonework. In addition to the bookings received from Gulf exhibitors, companies from the UK, Korea, Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Germany, Spain and Italy have all confirmed their presence.

Bahrain's Commerce and Industry Ministry is working very hard to market the Kingdom internationally, and it was their commitment that also prompted dmg world media Dubai and HCE to invest in Bahrain's future as a regional exhibition hub.

Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, Assistant Under-Secretary for Foreign Trade in Bahrain's Industry and Commerce Ministry is delighted that Bahrain was selected as the venue for the event. 'It will bring the latest trends and developments in these vibrant and vital industries to trade professionals, construction companies and other businesses involved in the sector across Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the rest of the GCC,' he said.

Perfectly timed to take place during a period of intense construction activity, procurement and project development that includes Durrat Al Bahrain and Bahrain Financial Harbour, gulfBID is well over 70% booked with three months still to go, clearly demonstrating the strength of demand for building and interior products and the need for a dedicated exhibition that will quickly become another key date on the industry calendar worldwide.

'Former US President Bill Clinton, speaking at a recent seminar held at the Ritz-Carlton in Bahrain, commented that Bahrain is at the forefront of a new Middle East, and is helping to create a positive profile of the region,' concluded Walsh.

'He described Bahrain as a 'remarkable place' in the Middle East, and made special mention of the admirable way that the Kingdom has opened up its political system, diversifying its economy and improving its financial sectors - our objective with gulfBID is to support this positive progress and make a meaningful contribution to the long-term growth of Bahrain's economy.'