Category Archives: Exhibitions

Expo 2020 Dubai has signed AS World Group Ltd (DIFC) as an authorised ticket reseller taking place from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021. Sanjive Khosla, Chief Commercial Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, and Sajid Barkat, Chief Executive Officer, AS World Group, signed an agreement to this effect at the Expo 2020 Dubai head office. AS World Group is a diversified conglomerate- spanning from event management to strategic consulting and investments – acting as a gateway to Africa and is perfectly equipped to connect Expo 2020 Dubai with key audiences in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Sajid Barkat, Chief Executive Officer, AS World Group, said, “We are very proud and honoured to work with Expo 2020 Dubai as an Authorised Ticket Reseller because we believe that by ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ we can propagate the vision and message of Expo 2020 Dubai globally, with special focus on Africa and the Middle East. We will promote Expo 2020 Dubai with the most flexible packages adapted for all needs of African (and other) delegates. As a true facilitator in Africa, AS World Group is on track to play a crucial role in bringing various countries together at Expo 2020 Dubai through mutual opportunities involving financial investment, technology, culture, arts, science, education and other fields of human endeavour.” Sanjive Khosla, Chief Commercial Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, said, “We are proud that every country will have its own pavilion for the first time in World Expo history, ensuring all nations, including those from Africa, have a platform to showcase their achievements, ambitions and cultures. Given Dubai’s strategic location at the crossroads between Africa and the rest of the world, we expect many …

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) roadshow was held from December 1-7, 2019 at Moscow and Saint Petersburg. The delegation was headed by various BTEA officials and includes representatives from the Gulf Air, alongside a number of hotels including Al Bandar Hotel & Resort, Sofitel Zallaq Bahrain Thalassa Sea & Spa, Gulf Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, Rotana Hotels and Novotel Al Dana Resort. The delegation also included representatives from five tourism agencies and destination management companies including Best of Bahrain, Visit Bahrain, Go Bahrain, Mathias Tours and Gosaibi Travels. The roadshow aims to promote Bahrain as a tourist destination to the Russian market and will also portray the Kingdom as an ideal destination for weddings. During the roadshow, the delegation will be meeting with wedding planners, representatives from travel agencies and the media. On this occasion, Dr. Ali Follad, Acting Director of Marketing and Tourism Promotion Directorate at BTEA, commented, “We are working closely with our representative office in Russia to highlight the Kingdom’s position as an attractive location with distinct offerings. During this roadshow, we will be promoting the Kingdom of Bahrain as the ideal destination for tourism by showcasing its unique elements to visitors. We will also be promoting the Kingdom as an ideal destination for hosting weddings and celebrations due to its promising infrastructure and the wide range of wedding services and amenities available. Through this roadshow, we aim to attract investment and increase the number of visitors coming to the Kingdom, further developing the tourism sector and increasing its contribution to the national economy.” Hosting the roadshow comes in line with the BTEA’s strategic outreach programme to promote the tourism brand ‘Ours Yours’ aimed …

The Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub drew high interest from fellow participants and visitors from all over the world at Dubai Airshow 2019. The Aerospace Hub joined the exhibition to highlight its unique edge and features that are vital to the steadily rising aviation industries in Dubai and the UAE. It also showcased its top-notch services and facilities, including a wide range of world-class soft and hard infrastructure to meet the needs of the business aviation and aerospace industry. The capacity of business aviation facilities within MBR Aerospace Hub, which currently handles more than 70 per cent of private jet movements in Dubai, is expected to increase the completion of the new aircraft hangers in 2021. Through MBR Aerospace Hub, industry players and operators will have access to key regional and global markets. Tahnoon Saif, CEO, MBR Aerospace Hub, said, “MBR Aerospace Hub is a global aerospace facility with a fully dedicated commercial strip. At Dubai Airshow, interest in the aerospace hub and its offerings is high. Many visitors are coming to our stand daily to engage with our team and learn more about our value proposition.” The MBR Aerospace Supply Chain Zone with dedicated Supply Chain Building and Suppliers Complex is being built to provide a range of aviation-related services. As one of the leading exhibitors from the UAE this year, MBR Aerospace Hub also highlights how it is creating an ideal and integrated environment with free zone status for the industry.

The Helicopter Company (THC) is participating as a platinum sponsor at Dubai Airshow which was launched at Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai World Central (DWC). The show will be held from November 17-21, 2019 with the prominent presence of major dignitaries from regional and international companies in the field of aviation, tourism, and travel.  On this occasion, Yahya Al Ghoraibi, CEO of THC, said, “We are very pleased with our first distinctive participation at the exhibition as the first local commercial helicopter operator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We are confident that the establishment of this company is a massive step forward in support of our capacities and efforts to ensure the success of the Kingdom’s initiatives in line with Saudi Vision 2030, through operating commercial helicopter transportation services all over Saudi Arabia, including private air transport services for VIPs, touristic sightseeing tours to explore the Kingdom’s attractions, pilgrimage trips in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, and air ambulance services.” Al Ghoraibi additionally asserted that the exhibition provides a successful platform and a unique opportunity to strengthen relations with international companies and decision-makers. THC stands out at the exhibition as a major Saudi company within the commercial helicopter aviation sector. The company’s CEO and a number of its executives hosted aviation sector investors and businessmen interested in developing the industry in Saudi Arabia, where they discussed potential future partnership opportunities, especially in regards to acquiring world-class helicopter models.

Dubai Airshow 2019 which was officially opened on November 17 is set to welcome 1,288 exhibitors and more than 87,000 trade visitors over the next five days. The event was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces. It was also attended by Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who joined his father for the start of an inaugural tour of the site. Highlighting the importance of the facility’s work, Robert Harward, Middle East Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin, said, “Our biggest investment in the UAE is in its human capital.” Presenting His Highness with a special patch commemorating the launch of the Endeavour Scholarship programme, Thomas J Kallman, President & CEO, Kallman worldwide Inc, said, “Our pavilion is not just about hardware and military equipment. We presented Sheikh Hamdan with a patch to mark our Endeavour Scholarship, whereby four Emirati students and two teachers are being flown to the United States to attend space camp in Huntsville, Alabama. In partnership with the UAE space agency, the students were selected and the patch was created to commemorate that.” Commenting on the official opening, Michele van Akelijen, Managing Director, Aerospace Division, Tarsus Group PLC, said, “It is an honour to welcome Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to officially open this year’s event. We will be having 100 new exhibitors and innovative product launches this year.”

The 38th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) concluded after a record turnout of 2.52 million visitors through the 11-day event, organised by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). The event witnessed the participation of Nobel laureates, Booker Prize and Oscar winners, along with 2,000 publishers from 81 countries. On November 7, 2019, SIBF set a Guinness World Record for successfully hosting the world’s largest simultaneous book signing ceremony in one location with 1,502 authors from the UAE and beyond signing their own books. To further expand the reach of books in the Middle East and African continents, SBA partnered with Big Bad Wolf Ventures Sdn. Bhd. (BBW) to set-up a regional branch at Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone. Under this new agreement, 1 billion books will be circulated across MEA countries over the next five years to widely introduce the literary products of individual nations to promote cultural exchange and appreciation. Sharjah Ruler allocates AED 4.5 million for purchase of books at SIBF 2019; His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah allocated AED 4.5 million for the acquisition of a selection of titles, brought in by publishers participating in SIBF 2019, to continuously update the emirate’s libraries with valuable reading materials and resources in history, literature, politics, arts, science, technology in Arabic and international languages. HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said, “SIBF has grown to become one of the top three book fairs in the world, an event that publishers, authors, book lovers, and children wait a whole year to participate in. This 11-day cultural celebration is born out of the vision of HE Sheikh Dr. …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has unveiled the exhibit that showcases Abu Dhabi’s best offerings to visitors at World Travel Market (WTM) participation in London. The show saw a hive of activity that took place on the DCT Abu Dhabi stand, including a visit from His Excellency Mansoor Abulhoul, UAE Ambassador to the United Kingdom, as well as numerous stakeholder meetings occurring throughout the day. In the evening, DCT Abu Dhabi representatives and a number of stakeholders attended the inaugural UAE Ambassadors dinner at the Bulgari Hotel London, to forge closer relationship amongst the emirates. The annual DCT Abu Dhabi on-stand breakfast was also held on Tuesday morning, with many trade and media representatives in attendance. The exhibition involves 36 of DCT Abu Dhabi’s key partners, such as Etihad Airways and Experience Hub, showcasing the diverse portfolio of attractions the city has to offer across the culture, entertainment and luxury sectors. Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at DCT Abu Dhabi said, “WTM is a great opportunity for us to promote Abu Dhabi as a premium tourism destination to travel trade stakeholders across the globe.” Abu Dhabi stakeholders participating in the event includes Etihad Airways, Experience Hub, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Qasr Al Watan, Qasr Al Hosn, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, Park Hyatt, The Ritz Carlton, Rotana Hotels and Resorts, The Westin Abu Dhabi and Yas Marina Circuit.

VFS Global has been named as an official ticket reseller for Expo 2020 Dubai to be held in the UAE between October 20, 2020 and April 10, 2021. Sanjive Khosla, Chief Commercial Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, and Zubin Karkaria, CEO, VFS Global Group, signed the contract on October 20, 2019 in Dubai. VFS Global will be offering a range of packages with suggested itineraries that include single and three-day passes to visit Expo 2020 Dubai. Customers who opt to submit their visa application through the premium lounge, or hold a VFS Global Privilege Program membership, can also enjoy discounts on the packages they purchase. Zubin Karkaria, CEO, VFS Global Group said, “We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the UAE, one that has grown to strength over the years. We are proud to be an official ticket reseller for Expo 2020 Dubai and look forward to extending our new, special range of packages to customers.” Sanjive Khosla, Chief Commercial Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, said, “Having VFS Global on board puts us in a great position to meet our ambitious targets and draw 25 million visits through the gates of the world’s greatest show. Expo 2020 is going to be the greatest celebration of human brilliance and achievement, and VFS Global will help make sure everyone in the world has the opportunity to experience it.”

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has launched a new series of buyer forums and networking events focused on India, Saudi Arabia, China and Russia’s growing outbound potential, as Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) travel and tourism companies and destinations look to attract a larger share from these major source markets. Following the successful launch of the ‘Arabia China Tourism Forum’ at ATM 2019, these new forums and networking events have been designed to explore the untapped opportunities that India, Saudi Arabia, China and Russia’s expanding tourism markets present. As part of the networking sessions, ATM will be inviting 150 hosted buyers from India, China, Russia, and the Middle East as well as partnering with CBN Travel & MICE once again to bring an additional 84 new buyers from China. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, ATM, said, “Identifying the key players in the top source markets, along with current and emerging industry trends are two of the most valuable insights ATM has to offer. Therefore, the 2020 edition will continue to follow that successful model with a packed agenda, including new forums, networking opportunities, and an engaging seminar program. Over recent years, in particular, the sentiment at ATM has reflected the growth in these tourists to the Middle East and as we look ahead to the 2020 edition of the show we are seeing more hotel and travel professionals than ever before eager to capitalise on the significant opportunities presented by these key markets.” The data predicts an above-average annual growth rate for both Russian and Chinese arrivals to the UAE, with the number of Russian tourists expected to increase at a Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% to 1.6 million and …

The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) has announced the dates of the fourth edition of the annual Sea Festival, which will be held at Marassi Beach for a period of 10 days from November 7-16. First launched in 2016, the Sea Festival celebrates the Kingdom’s historical ties to the sea, seeking to educate modern-day visitors and tourists on the Kingdom’s deeply-rooted past and revive the Kingdom’s sea legacy by showcasing several sea-related traditions and activities. BTEA continues its efforts to showcase the Kingdom of Bahrain as the ideal tourism destination for families which offers a unique experience to visitors of all ages. This year’s edition of the Sea Festival will include a number of attractions such as water sports activities, boat rides, traditional music performances, handicrafts, and pearl merchants. There will also be plenty of entertainment during the Festival with an amazing on-stage Sea World Performance (Cirque De La Mer) alongside a museum, outdoor cinema and an interactive play area for kids. The Sea Festival aligns with the BTEA’s overall strategy which aims at developing and strengthening the tourism sector under the slogan ‘Ours. Yours’, which contribute towards the Kingdom’s economy and 2030 Economic Vision.