MIDDLE EAST - The vice-president of DMG Events has told EW the shows that work best in the UAE are ones the region ‘owns’, shows that represent the region’s aspirations and garner local support.
Speaking to EW ahead of the 79th UFI Annual Congress in Abu Dhabi, Matt Denton said the situation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is looking positive despite ongoing global financial uncertainty.
“We are emerging strongly from the global financial crisis,” he said, “business is continuing to grow and opportunities arise. Abu Dhabi’s plans are coming to fruition and the UAE as a whole is positioned as a must-visit destination on the map; the gateway to the region.”
But in order to capitalise on events in the region, and despite the local reliance on overseas business for industry, Denton says organisers must tap into sectors that are flourishing on local level, and pay attention to the UAE’s industrial development plans.
“The Big 5 is a Dubai event,” he said, referring to DMG’s construction show. “Yes it services the region but it is part of Dubai, and Dubai is construction. The UAE has published plans, its 2030 vision, and events that recognise and reflect this will be supported and flourish.
“I’ll be honest and say consumer shows are a struggle, but with a growing population and a time-rich, affluent society it is only a matter of time before that changes.”
The icing on the cake, Denton claimed, would be for the hard work of the team behind Dubai’s bid for the World Expo 2020 to bear fruit.
“This event would showcase to the world-at-large everything the Emirates have to offer and be a massive shot in the arm for the exhibition and business travel industry,” he said.
Earlier this year, DMG Events announced it is merging its Office exhibition into the Index International Design trade show in Dubai next year as part of plans to create a “super” show for the interior decoration industry.
For a full analysis of the UAE as a destination for international exhibitions, read the latest edition of Exhibition World magazine.
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