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Aimed at fast-tracking the growth of the regional exhibitions industry, the Council of Arab Economic Unity has named Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, as the Chairman of its exhibitions wing -- the Arab Union for International Exhibitions and Conferences.
The decision was taken in Jordan last week at the meeting of the representatives of 23 Arab countries of the Council, which works to achieve economic unity among member countries, and is composed of economy, trade and industry ministers.
Congratulating Mr. Midfa, H.E. Abdalla Sultan Mohamed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Expo Centre Sharjah, said the regional exhibitions industry is on the cusp of big growth and Expo Centre Sharjah is well placed to lead from the front.
“Upcoming events like World Expo 2020 and FIFA World Cup 2022 have paved the way for unprecedented growth of the regional exhibitions industry. A leadership role for the UAE will only enhance the growth,” said H.E. Al Owais.
On his part, H.E. Ambassador Mohammed Al-Rabee, Secretary General of the Council of Arab Economic Unity, said the UAE has become a leading destination for international exhibitions, adding that business-friendly policies and continuous investments in infrastructure have reinforced the UAE’s position in the global exhibitions industry.
Mr. Midfa now becomes the chairman of three of the prestigious regional and global industry bodies -- the Gulf Chapter of International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), the MEA Chapter of Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), Paris, and now the Arab Union for International Exhibitions and Conferences.
“I am overwhelmed by the honour, and would like to thank the leaders of the country and the region for their unlimited support to the industry. Today, the UAE is a leader in this industry because of the solid economic foundations laid by the government and its continuous focus on the exhibitions segment,” said Mr. Midfa.
“The MICE segment in the GCC and Arab World is going through a lot of transformation, and I believe technology will be a game changer for both existing and new players in the industry,” added Mr. Midfa.
According to industry reports, the global MICE industry was valued at US$2.3 trillion in 2014, with the GCC getting US$1.3 billion, or 2%, of the business and the UAE US$650 million. Industry observers see the UAE’s exhibitions industry experiencing a growth rate of 7% yearly by 2020.
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