Premium expo opens in Dubai

More than 80 exhibitors from 12 countries are taking part in the event, up 30 per cent on last year.

In his inauguration speech, Yousef stressed how the increasing number of participants reflects the importance of the local and regional market to international businesses.

"The substantial growth in the market for gifts, awards, and premium products corresponds to the economic growth of the UAE and the Dubai reach market," he said.

"The increased number of exhibitions and the sectors covered attract more investors to the UAE and help boost tourism, and are an important factor in contributing to the economy generally."

Gifts & Premiums runs until Tuesday and is open daily from 11am until 8pm, showcasing a diversity of products from high-quality corporate stationery to high-value trophies, pens, watches, and handicrafts, as well as novelty giftware and products for festive occasions.

Countries represented are China, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Philippines, Lebanon, Mexico, South Africa, Syria, Taiwan, UK, and the UAE.

"Businesses participating range from leading international brands to well-known UAE and Middle East businesses," says Justin Boutros, managing director of organisers Channels Exhibitions.

"Many have attended the show every year since its launch and we are also welcoming a considerable number of first-timers."

Boutros attributes the success of the show to strong commercial and cultural factors in the Middle East that support a dynamic regional market for gifts, premiums and stationery.

"Being ideally located in vibrant Dubai, the Middle East's commercial and trading hub, Gifts & Premium 2006 gives exhibitors the best possible access to these dynamic regional markets, enabling them to meet local end-users and corporate clients, as well as regional distributor agents and potential business partners from across the Middle East and the Asian sub-continent."