Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is set to host over 60 exhibitions, conferences and live events in Q4 (October – December 2015), attracting an estimated 820,000 visitors. Returning to the UAE among these are the ‘power’ shows including; GITEX Shopper, GITEX Technology Week, Gulfood Manufacturing, Big 5 and Dubai International Motor Show, in addition to a plethora of events catering to a range of industries.
Commenting on what is set to be an action-packed quarter, Ahmed Alkhaja, Senior Vice President – Venues, DWTC said: “According to industry sources, the MICE sector in the GCC is valued at $1.3 billion, with the UAE accounting for half of that at $653 million. This peak season at DWTC is a crucial time for regional and international businesses, and our team at DWTC is focused on supporting the growth and development of these businesses by providing the right platform for them to showcase their work and network with the right partners.”
GITEX Shopper, the region’s biggest consumer electronics event will mark its 25th anniversary as it returns next week from 3-10 October. Power retailers and world-renowned brands will showcase unrivalled offers for electronic devices during the show’s eight days, with the Middle East’s biggest ever prize extravaganza of more than Dh3 million worth of prizes to be given away. GITEX Technology Week will also return next month from 18-22 October. Now in its 35th edition, the event is the most widely recognised and annually anticipated information and communications technology (ICT) trade event across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Expecting over 140,000 visitors from over 150 countries, the event will continue to identify the hottest global trends and innovations in the tech industry including drones, robotics, 3D printing and more.
The end of October brings the Middle East’s mighty food service industry to the forefront, currently valued at USD $35 billion, with concurrent events Gulfood Manufacturing, The Specialty Food Show, Sweets and Snacks Middle East, and SEAFEX running from 27-29 October. In the GCC, food retailing is estimated to be worth USD 155 billion by 2018. With consumers spending more than 28% of their total expenses on food, the foodservice industry must meet this booming demand by escalating production and ingredients supply, particularly in the fine & gourmet food segment.
Underlining its position as the most influential automotive event in the Middle East, the 13th Dubai International Motor Show will return from 10-14 November showcasing global launches, the latest in car designs, driving technology tuning tips, custom gear, as well as exciting consumer activations. Held every two years, the event has received unprecedented interest from leading names in the automotive world, as well as an influx of new exhibitors resulting in a 23% expansion in floor space this year.
Also taking place in November is The Big 5, which will run from 23-26 November. For over 35 years, the Big 5 has established its position as the largest trade exhibition in the Middle East for construction products and materials. The event last year welcomed over 2,800 exhibitors from over 60 countries, and attracted over 80,000 industry professionals. Held alongside the Big 5 will be PMV Live, the region’s most important event for heavy construction machinery, plant equipment, and commercial and construction vehicles; Middle East Concrete, an event solely dedicated to the concrete industry; and The Innovation Trail, which will guide visitors through pre-selected stands featuring the most high-tech and innovative products.
On the live events front, a variety of entertainment shows are in the pipeline including qawwali maestro Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, magic specialists The Illusionists, and more.
