UAE ranks first in MENA for number of exhibitions
A report published by Explori, an exhibition industry insights provider, showed the United Arab Emirates has ranked 1st in the MENA region for organising and hosting exhibitions. The report results were revealed during a meeting held by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI, at Expo Centre Sharjah. The meeting was presided by Saif Mohammed Al-Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, Chairman of UFI’s MEA Chapter, with the attendance of Mahir Julfar, Vice President of Commercial Exhibitions and Conferences at the Dubai World Trade Centre, as well as a number of CEOs and executives working in the exhibitions and conferences industry.
The meeting reviewed the results of the report, which highlighted the success of the United Arab Emirates in organising and hosting 256 exhibitions throughout 2016, followed by South Africa, at 209 exhibitions, and Turkey with 197 exhibitions. Meanwhile, the number of visitors to exhibitions held across the Middle East region, including the UAE, reached 17 million, compared to 7 million visitors to South Africa’s exhibitions.
Commenting on the importance of the exhibitions industry, Saif Al-Midfa explained that the sector represents an indicator of the level of economic development and the progress of its various sectors.
Al-Midfa also noted that the report reflects the high status of the UAE in the field of exhibitions and conferences, both regionally and globally, and the vital role it plays in developing the industry and enhancing its competitiveness and overall advancement.
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