Expo Centre Sharjah has kicked off the first quarter of 2023 with a bang hosting 15 events, an increase of 25%, and setting the stage for a thriving exhibition sector in the Emirate of Sharjah. 

 

The first quarter saw a flurry of activity, including economic, commercial and cultural exhibitions at the centre and its affiliated centres in Khorfakkan and Al Dhaid.

 

Attracting a diverse array of international and regional participants, including major companies and brands, these events drew over 100,000 visitors to the bustling exhibition centre. 

 

Standout exhibitions

Among the standout exhibitions were SteelFab, which featured 200 local and international companies and showcased 400 global brands, and the Watch & Jewellery Middle East Show, hosting an impressive 500 exhibitors.

 

The resounding success of the centre's new exhibition season has cemented these events as annual fixtures on the Expo Centre Sharjah's calendar. The UAE Schools & Nursery Show, for instance, garnered significant interest, drawing substantial participation from leading educational institutions, schools, kindergartens, and private education centres across the nation.

 

Expo Centre Sharjah has also played a significant role in fostering collaborative efforts with various government agencies, institutions, and specialised organisations to advance the exhibition industry at both the state and regional levels. 

 

A number of MoUs

Just recently, the centre has inked memorandums of understanding (MoU) with the Sharjah Private Education Authority, the Council of Indian Exhibition Organisers, and the International Congress and Convention Association. Moreover, the centre engaged in discussions with Etisalat Services Holding (ESH) to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation.

 

In addition to these partnerships, the centre has made its presence felt at a number of international events dedicated to the exhibition industry. A prime example is the Global CEO Summit 2023, organised by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) in Lisbon, Portugal, which took place from February 1 to 3, 2023.

 

Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI and Expo Centre Sharjah, emphasised that the chamber is committed to empowering Expo Centre Sharjah to play a crucial role in advancing the exhibition industry.

 

Key contributor

Al Owais highlighted that the exhibition industry is a key contributor to economic development and GDP growth, and the centre can play a vital role in supporting these goals. He further noted that the first quarter results of Sharjah's conferences and exhibitions sector in 2023 were strong and promising, reflecting the diversity and richness of events calendar, which has attracted thousands of exhibitors and visitors.

 

Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, said that 2023 was commenced with a series of qualitative and innovative exhibitions designed to stay in step with the latest economic, commercial, and cultural developments, as well as global trends within the exhibition industry. 

 

He stressed that Expo Centre Sharjah looks forward to supporting all key sectors and fields, attracting investors and businessmen from diverse industries, boosting tourism, and diversifying sources of income. 

 

Al Midfa noted that the centre's achievements in the first quarter of the year have paved the way for a successful events season, featuring a diverse calendar of exhibitions and events that cater to various sectors.-- TradeArabia News Service