Under the theme “Fostering Recovery: WTCs and the Exhibitions Industry”, the Expo Centre Sharjah recently participated in a virtual international meeting organised by the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) to strengthen international cooperation in exploring future visions and to put forward realistic solutions and recommendations that help develop the necessary plans for revitalizing the exhibitions and conferences industry and its role in the economic development.

This comes as part of the Centre’s keenness to keep up to date with the global developments of the exhibitions sector, which has been affected by the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Moderated by Saif Mohammed Al-Midfa, CEO of the Expo Centre Sharjah, the meeting held in the presence of Ana Maria Arango, Regional Manager, Latin America, UFI, Kai Hattendorf, Managing Director and CEO, UFI, and Pamela Pascual, President & CEO, World Trade Centre Metro Manila.

Highlighting the early recovery efforts exerted by the UAE to speed up the comeback of the exhibitions and conferences sector, Saif Mohammed Al-Midfa pointed out that such efforts have been the main reason for the return of the activities and events since last September.

Al-Midfa pointed to the UAE Government’s economic stimulus package, including tailor-made initiatives for the exhibitions sector, resulting in further stability for the industry stakeholders and the sustainability of their businesses.

Through video footage, Al-Midfa shed light on the Centre’s experience in the return to organizing and hosting local activities and events which attracted a high turnout, whether by the visitors or the exhibitors, thanks to the Centre’s commitment to applying the strictest precautionary measures to maintain the health and safety of everyone.

“Such events greatly helped the local business community in showcasing its products, as well as enhanced the society’s confidence in the return to normal life,”

He hinted that the Centre’s loaded agenda with new exhibitions that aim to stimulate the local economic sector, praising the remarkable response of the exhibiting companies to register and take part in the upcoming events.

Concluding his remarks, Al-Midfa threw light on the landmark step by Sharjah Book Fair (SBF) which concluded as the first successful on-ground and in-person global trade exhibition amid Covid-19.

Located in more than 90 countries and supported by 15,000 WTC professionals, the WTCA stimulates trade and investment opportunities for commercial property developers, economic development agencies, and international businesses looking to connect globally and prosper locally.

Meanwhile, the country’s premier higher education fair is set to extend its reach to more students and schools in the country, thanks to the support of the UAE Ministry of Education.

Expo Centre Sharjah, which organises and hosts the long-running International Education Fair, has signed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education, thereby helping more educational institutions to take advantage of the event.

Engineer Abdulrahman Al Hammadi, Undersecretary of Ministry of Education, affirmed that that International Education Show provides an important platform to guide students about the options available at universities, adding that signing the MoU comes as part of the ministry’s strategy and educational plans to enhance university visions and practices in response to the requirements of sustainable development in the country and in line with the aspirations of the wise leadership.

He lauded the significant role played by the Expo Centre Sharjah in supporting the educational process in the country by dedicating its premises to promote educational concepts and launch initiatives that serve the entire educational process.

“The ministry of education is seeking to keep school students well informed about the nature of university majors and the skills they require, while they are still in schools in order to help them select the right academic options in a way that serves national strategies,” said the MoE’s undersecretary.

“Education is a top priority for the UAE, and the increasing government support for the International Education Show reflects the greater attention the country plays in equipping its youth with enough knowledge and skills to enter the workplace or carve out professional niches for themselves. The UAE Ministry of Education has always been an integral part of the event. From the upcoming 17th edition, the Ministry will be an active partner,” said H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.