Gulf Industry Fair 2013 opens in Bahrain

A record number of 110 exhibitors - representing the key industrial sectors of Aluminium; Energy and Environmental Protection; Industrial Processes and Manufacturing; Industrial Security and Safety; Ports, Logistics and Free Zones; Steel and Alloys; Training for Industry and Marine and Deep Sea Services - are showcasing their products, services and capabilities until Thursday 17 January.

For the first time, a Dutch Pavilion is hosting 14 specialist companies showcasing the European country's industrial expertise and heritage in oil and gas, water and electricity, process management, and training and education.

The pavilion is an initiative of the Netherlands' consulate in Bahrain, working in partnership with two Dutch consultancies based in the kingdom.

Also for the first time the Fair features an innovative 'Industry Week' concept, which includes industry seminars and site visits to world-class industrial facilities. The seminar series is being hosted by leading exhibitors including Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) and Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco), and aims to share knowledge on the latest projects and trends with visitors.

Organised by Bahrain-based Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions (HCE), Gulf Industry Fair is the leading business-to-business (B2B) exhibition of its type in the Northern Gulf. It is open to trade and business visitors from 9am to 7pm on each day.

HCE managing director Jubran Abdulrahman said: "Governments are implementing the next phases of their industrial strategies, which will involve many hundreds of billions of dollars in investment and generate unprecedented business opportunities. Gulf Industry Fair's appeal is that this ambitious economic foresight and momentum are reflected in its exhibitors. The added value is the show's close proximity to the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia in particular and the wider Northern Gulf in general, and the 2013 edition will reflect this."

The Fair's strategic sponsors include Bahrain's National Oil & Gas Authority (Noga) in association with Bapco; Alba, one of the world's largest aluminium smelters; and Majaal, a Bahrain-based SME-focused industrial facilities developer.

Tamkeen (Labour Fund) also extended financial assistance to SME exhibitors, in a continuation of its successful 'Tarweej' growth assistance scheme which provides up to 80% of participating costs to eligible companies.