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Dubai, a centre of excellence

By Staff Reporter DUBAI - Several conferences, trade exhibitions and seminars will be held in Dubai, as a part of the DSF 2012 calendar of events, further enhancing Dubai's image as a centre of excellence and a hub for international conventions, conferences and exhibitions.

Many of the key exhibitions are being hosted by Dubai World Trade Centre , a strategic partner of Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment's Events (DEPE) and Festivals for the Year 2012.

DEPE is an agency under the Department of Economic Development and organiser of Dubai Shopping Festival.

The conferences and exhibitions industry in the Middle East is worth Dh5 billion, according to reports published locally. The UAE has captured 50 per cent of the market in this sector, which helps boost the national economy by giving an impetus to other service sectors like aviation, hospitality, tourism, cargo and customs.

Meanwhile, Dubai is investing heavily in infrastructure development to further enhance its position as an international hub for conferences and exhibitions.

Work is currently underway at Dubai Exhibition City, which is being established on an area of 3million sqm at a cost of Dh8 billion. This mega project is set to become a new landmark in Dubai, and encourage international business houses and corporations to host their major conferences and exhibitions in the Emirate.

Suhaila Ghubash, Director, Events and Festival Marketing Services, Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment, said: "We are delighted that major conferences and exhibitions will be taking place in Dubai while the world's spotlight is shining on the Dubai Shopping Festival.

"The organising of conferences and exhibitions is a specialised area and a growing sector, and Dubai with its multitude of world-class infrastructure and facilities is a natural choice when it comes to hosting international events in the region. In this regard, we at Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment will continue to extend our whole-hearted support to Dubai World Trade Centre in particular, and the conferences and exhibitions sector, in general, as a part of our long-standing mutually beneficial alliance." Ghubash added:

Ahmed Al Khaja, Vice President, Venues, Dubai World Trade Centre , said: " Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment are united by the common vision of strengthening Dubai's position as a strategic location for hosting international conferences, events and exhibitions. Our sponsorship of DSF for 17 successive years is ample testimony of our commitment to support this international shopping and tourism extravaganza. Events like the Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Summer Surprises and Eid in Dubai have contributed tremendously to boost Dubai's position as a top destination for tourism, shopping and entertainment, as well as a venue for international conferences and exhibitions." For the last 33 years, the Dubai World Trade Centre had been organising and hosting conventions, conferences, and exhibitions, and this has immensely helped Dubai become a venue of choice for holding such events, said Mr Khaja.

Dubai's calendar of events during the period of DSF 2012 includes several key major conferences and trade exhibitions:

Morocco Property Expo
 (January 19 to 21)

Dubai will host the first Morrocan Real Estate Exhibition showcasing different real estate projects in Morocco with the participation of many global and regional real estate investors, developers, architects, banks and representatives from different economic agencies from Morocco.

This event, which will be held at the Habtoor Grand Beach Resort and Spa, will bring together real estate developers from Morocco and potential buyers interested in real estate investment in Morocco.

Arab Health Exhibition and Congress (January 23-26)

The region's main event for the healthcare industry, the Arab Health Exhibition and Congress, will be held at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. It is the largest healthcare exhibition in the Middle East and the second largest in the world.

Arab health provides an unrivalled platform for the world's leading manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors to interact with the medical and scientific community.

The Weight Loss Show 
(January 27 to 28)

Another popular event, the Weight Loss Show, will be held at Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina. Organised by Link viva Events, it is a fun weekend event, which was initiated with the objective of introducing innovative and healthy weight loss solutions . Last year, the event attracted 47 exhibitors and around 4,000 visitors.

Sign and Graphics Imaging Middle East (SGI) (January 31 to February 2)

Sign and Graphics Imaging Middle East (SGI), an exhibition that is eagerly looked forward to by companies and professionals in the signage, outdoor media, screen and digital printing industries, will be held at Dubai World Trade Centre .

Organised by Falak Holding, the SGI show is expected to attract over 400 exhibitors, and more than 10,000 trade visitors from across 30 countries.

MRO Middle East 2012 (January 31 to February 2)

This exhibition and conference at the Airport Expo will offer the newest and most innovative concepts in airline and aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul industry in the region, and attracts representatives from airlines, maintenance provider and, suppliers.

AEEDC Dubai (January 31
to February 2)

The UAE International Dental Conference & Arab Dental Exhibition - AEEDC Dubai, which will be held at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, is the pioneering and largest dental event in the Middle East and North Africa region.

AEEDC Dubai is an annual conference and exhibition where dental professionals and industry experts come together to network and share knowledge and generate business partnerships.

© Khaleej Times 2012