Category Archives: Exhibitions

Expo 2020 Dubai will now run from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, a delay that allows all participants to safely navigate the impact of COVID-19. It also allows the World Expo to focus on a collective desire for new thinking to identify solutions to some of the greatest challenges of our time. The global mega event is gearing up to help shape a post-pandemic world and create a better future for all after a two-thirds majority of Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Member States voted in favour of postponing the next World Expo by one year. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group, and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, said, “We are thankful to Member States for their continued commitment to contributing to a World Expo in Dubai that will play a pivotal role in shaping our post-pandemic world at a time when it will be most needed. We have sought to build over the last 50 years bridges, connections, and partnerships around the world because we believe in genuine collaboration to safeguard the future of all. This swift and overwhelming vote reflects the strength of our international partnerships and truly reflects the positive role the UAE and Dubai play with all countries around the world.” Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the BIE, said, “In their support for the one-year postponement of Expo 2020 Dubai, Member States of the BIE are giving the world the opportunity to reconvene in 2021, when together, we can address the challenges facing humanity and celebrate the unity and solidarity that …

The Higher Organizing Committee of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) has announced that the 18th edition of the exhibition, which was scheduled for September 29 – October 3, 2020, will be rescheduled to September 2021, under the theme of ‘Sustainability and Heritage… A Reborn Aspiration’. The 18th edition of ADIHEX will be organised by the Emirates Falconers’ Club at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of Emirates Falconers’ Club. The decision to postpone the exhibition for a year was taken in consideration due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, to ensure the health and safety of all participants and visitors. H.E. Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the exhibition has revealed major changes for exhibitors and visitors including enhancing the quality of its exhibits, products, and unique innovations from the world of hunting and equestrian; maintaining ADIHEX’s profile as the largest annual event of its kind in the Middle East and Africa. The comprehensive expansion plan also includes improving the content of the event by providing innovative services, technologies, activities, and events with a renewed vision, strengthening the exhibition’s role in preserving the UAE’s heritage and promoting sustainable hunting. This is in addition to organizing more environmental, heritage, art, educational and awareness-raising activities.  

The world’s largest annual airport industry B2B platform has been rescheduled to take place from October 26-28, 2020 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) where it was scheduled earlier for June. The new dates reflect the aviation industry’s confidence of normalcy returning to global markets by then and the lifting of extensive travel restrictions around the world following the COVID-19 pandemic. Organised by Reed Exhibitions Middle East under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the event is supported by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Dubai Airports, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) and dnata, amongst a host of global and regional aviation bodies, suppliers’ associations and working groups. His Excellency Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO of Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans) said, “Every industry has come to a standstill due to the unforeseen circumstances we are faced with. Our past experiences of handling crises will help us to bounce back into the aviation business, once the crisis is contained.” Airport Show is expected to attract 375 exhibiting companies and over 8,500 visitors coming from almost 100 countries. Now in its 20th edition, the event showcases the most advanced global aviation technologies and allows attendees to participate in a series of conferences, matchmaking programmes and workshops. The collocated Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF) and women in Aviation General Assembly will host over 1,500 delegates and 100 speakers, covering the latest industry developments across 4 key themes of Air Traffic Control, Airport Security, Airport Passenger Experience and Ground Handling. Last …

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) has announced the cancellation of the second period of the Bahrain Food Festival, which was scheduled to be held between March 12 and March 23, 2020. This decision was taken as a result of the recent developments and necessary health precautions undertaken by the Government of Bahrain in accordance with international standards to contain the COVID-19 and to prevent its spread. The Kingdom has been praised by the World Health Organization for its approach in tackling the spread of the virus. BTEA extends its sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the first period of the festival, including participants, attendees and organisers.

Riyadh Travel Fair 2020 has been postponed from March 26-28, 2020 to September 1-3, 2020 in line with precautionary measures due to the international rapid spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The ongoing coronavirus crisis hit Saudi Arabia earlier this week with the first case of an infected individual recorded. Saudi authorities were quick to act, quarantining 70 people who were in contact with that individual. Many other precautionary measures have also been taken by the Saudi authorities prior to this and continue to be implemented. After consultation with government authorities, partners and travel industry experts around the world, a difficult decision was made to postpone the Riyadh Travel Fair until beginning of September 2020. Bander Al Gryni, General Manager ASAS Exhibitions – organiser of the Riyadh Travel Fair (RTF), said, “We are planning to make the 2020 September edition the biggest event to date, with an increase in both the number of exhibitors and visitors. We expect around 275 exhibitors representing more than 50 countries to take part, with more than 50 national and regional pavilions to share the floor. Once opening our doors, we are planning for more than 30,000 visitors over the three-day period.”

To date only two Chinese exhibitors have cancelled their ITB Berlin attendance, confirms Messe Berlin. At 0.3 per cent overall, the share of exhibitors from the People’s Republic of China is very low. The percentage of visitors from China is even lower at 0.02 per cent of the 160,000 visitors. For the upcoming edition of ITB Berlin, more english-speaking staff as well as additional medical specialists and first responders on the grounds, have been added. The sanitary facilities will be cleaned and disinfected at more frequent intervals. In addition to hand cleansers in the bathrooms there will also be sanitiser dispensers at the entrances. The organisers highlight that the safety of our visitors and exhibitors will be their utmost priority and they are taking the situation very seriously.

The International launch of ‘Taste France’ at Gulfood 2020 will reinforce already well-established relationships between French and Middle Eastern companies. Business France will be supporting business opportunities between French producers and importers, key buyers and food industry experts visiting Gulfood. This year, 80 French exhibitors will be part of Gulfood, the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade exhibition. This show will be the opportunity to announce the international launch of France’s F&B dedicated brand- ‘Taste France’. Within France global commitment to share French way of life, Taste France aims to specifically promote F&B products worldwide. French gastronomy quality is recognised all over the world; Taste France takes a step further by gathering F&B industry players around their common interests. From the perspective of claiming a joint identity for all French F&B companies while promoting the diversity of their products besides their ability to innovate, Taste France also strengthens the approach of the French offering by communicating on conviviality and sharing principles. Christophe Lecourtier, CEO, Business France, commented, “France has been a partner of Gulfood since its beginning in 1987 and I have to admit that the global dimension of this show that kept growing ever since firmly influenced our choice to unveil Taste France here in Dubai, as this event perfectly fits with the international ambition of Taste France, which is to unify and promote the whole French Food & Beverages industry.”

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) is set to host the second edition of its ‘Saturday Market’, which will be held every Saturday from 9 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm starting from January 25 until March 22, 2020, in Bab Al Bahrain at the heart of the Manama Souq. During the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix 2020, the Saturday Market will be open to visitors for four consecutive days. With its main focus centered on hosting a market where craftsmen can showcase and sell their handicrafts products, the ‘Saturday Market’ is held at Bab Al Bahrain every winter with an aim of developing the handicrafts sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This year, the event will feature 40 craftsmen specialised in 25 crafts including basket weaving, traditional chests, wooden works, pottery, hand embroidery, henna design, dolls, carpets, cage-making, and crochet among others. In addition, the event will feature live traditional performances, traditional Bahraini food vendors, and activities and play areas for children. “With Manama being named the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2020, it is with great pride that we continue our efforts at BTEA to preserve these traditional professions for the future generations while developing the local tourism sector and increasing its contribution to the national economy,” said the Nader Al Moayyed, Chief Executive Officer of BTEA.

Travel, tourism and hospitality professionals from around the world will have an opportunity to explore the next generation of in-destination trends and innovations at the Middle East’s first ever edition of Arival Dubai @ ATM, which will take place alongside Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2020 at Dubai World Trade Centre from April 19 – 22, 2020. The dedicated forum, which will take place on April 19, will enable vendors, agents and operators of tours, activities and attractions to gain invaluable insights into the latest trends and challenges impacting the in-destination industry, as well as improving customer experience and business development throughout the Middle East market.  Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said, “According to the latest data from research firm Phocuswright, tours, activities and attractions are currently the third largest and fastest growing sector within the travel and tourism industry, representing approximately US$180 billion in global travel spend annually. One third of tours, activities and attractions are booked online at present with the Middle East representing one of the world’s fastest growing online travel experience markets.” Delegates at the inaugural Arival Dubai @ ATM forum will have access to a packed conference agenda featuring high-profile keynote speakers, with Arival Co-Founder and CEO Douglas Quinby, kicking-off proceedings with a session on the current and future in-destination trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the Middle East sector. The forum will also feature ‘Ask Me Anything Interviews’ with a range of senior executives from leading attractions and online agencies within the region. There will also be several round-table discussions on innovations and distributions impacting the in-destination industry and changing consumer behaviour.

Matka Nordic Travel Fair, which will be held at Messukeskus in Helsinki from January 15 to 19, 2020, has announced an ambitious goal — to be the world’s most responsible tourism event. “The actions taken by Messukeskus to save energy, increase the use of renewable energy, and reduce waste and increase recycling help us to work towards our goal of being the most responsible travel-industry event in the world. Our goal is to be 110 per cent carbon neutral in ten years. We already recycle 99 per cent of our waste, and in our catering, we will, in the future, continue to promote vegetarian food and leftover brunches. Already now, 85 per cent of the food we serve at fairs is locally sourced and made from Finnish ingredients. In Finland, we get to enjoy the world’s cleanest tap water, which is why we also encourage our international Matka Nordic Travel Fair visitors to bring their own water bottles to fill on site, instead of drinking bottled water. If necessary, you can also buy a bottle at the fair”, says Anna Suominen, Sales Group Manager at the Matka Nordic Travel Fair. For the first time, the Matka Nordic Travel Fair will feature the Sustainable Travel Competition for exhibitors. The competition jury will review the finalists to select the winner, who will receive a €3,000 prize, which is donated by the Finnish Fair Foundation.