ABU DHABI, 7 Mar, 05 (WAM) - Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Presidentof the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and Chairman of EmiratesGroup, inaugurated the Haj and Umrah Exhibition (Umrah 2005) at the DubaiWorld Trade Centre Hall No. 8 yesterday.
Umrah 2005 is the first of its kind and specialised exhibition whichbrings a total of 52 Haj and Umrah companies under one roof from March6 to 9, according to a report in Khaleej Times.
Organised by Third Dimension Exhibition and Conference Organiser, itis a gathering of companies working in the Haj and Umrah sector and theiragents, as well as accommodation services, through international hotels,which offer special rates in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
In a statement printed in the Umrah 2005 guide, Shaikh Ahmed said: 'TheHaj and Umrah seasons are an industry in their own right. We must worktogether to meet the needs and expectations of Haj and Umrah travellers,especially during the Haj season when the number of pilgrims reachesnearly 2.5 million a year.' He added: 'Our sponsorship of the Haj andUmrah 2005 Exhibition is part of our strategy which aims to provide thebest services for travellers through Dubai International Airport andsatisfy the demands of all passengers.' M. Abdul Halim Khoj, GeneralDirector, Third Dimension, said in a statement: 'Umrah 2005 aims at openingnew markets for Haj and Umrah companies so they can introduce their programmes.
It will provide a positive environment for meetings and discussions forspecialised businessmen. It also presents visitors who are thinking aboutgoing on Haj or Umrah with information about travel and accommodationand acquaints them with Haj and Umrah companies in the region.' AbdullahAl Najjar, Manager, Events and Ceremonies, Protocol and Public RelationsDirectorate at DCA, said: 'The Haj and Umrah companiesparticipating in this exhibition are from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
