Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Expo Centre Sharjah kicked off 2023 with a bang, setting the stage for a thriving exhibition sector in the Emirate of Sharjah. The first quarter of the year saw a flurry of activity at the Centre and its affiliated centres in Khorfakkan and Al Dhaid, with a plethora of major local and international exhibitions and events taking place.

This included 15 economic, commercial, and cultural exhibitions, a staggering 25% increase from the same period last year, when only 12 exhibitions were hosted. 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.

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 specialized organizations to advance the exhibition industry at both the state and regional levels. Just recently, the centre has inked memorandums of understanding (MoU) with the Sharjah Private Education Authority, the Council of Indian Exhibition Organizers, 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 h 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, organized by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) in Lisbon, Portugal, which took place from February 1–3, 2023.

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

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.

For his part, 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.

Meanwhile, the 33rd annual Sharjah Ramadan Festival, curated by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), has continued to captivate residents and visitors of Sharjah with its exceptional lineup of events and entertainment activities, transforming the shopping centers across the emirate into a vibrant hub of activity.

As citizens and residents eagerly anticipate the upcoming Eid Al Fitr festivities, the festival has injected a palpable sense of excitement, offering a host of delightful surprises and captivating experiences for all to enjoy. This will enhance Sharjah’s position as a preferred tourist and shopping destination during the Eid Al Fitr holiday.

As the final week of Ramadan commenced, families flocked to the markets in droves, eagerly stocking up on supplies and completing their preparations for the highly anticipated Eid Al-Fitr celebrations. The shopping centers and thousands of shops participating in the Sharjah Ramadan Festival have seen an unprecedented level of activity, with customers rushing to take advantage of discounts of over 75% on a variety of goods and exhibits.

But it’s not just the discounts that have drawn the crowds; the festival has also curated a distinctive package of exceptional experiences, featuring a range of captivating entertainment offers and innovative marketing activities, all set against a festive backdrop that pervades the emirate.

As the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations approach, many malls are gearing up to offer shoppers a chance to win grand prizes and daily rewards. In addition to the exciting prize draws, families and children will be treated to a host of fun activities, catering to their entertainment and shopping needs. This program is chock-full of rewarding promotions, ensuring that visitors to the malls are in for a truly delightful experience.

Jamal Saeed Bouzanjal, Director of the SCCI Corporate Communication Department, emphasized that the Chamber is committed to collaborating with its partners from shopping malls and other participants in the festival to ensure the success of the Sharjah Ramadan Festival. The Chamber will leverage all its available resources to facilitate their participation and achieve the desired goals of these events related to the holy month and the days of Eid. By doing so, the Chamber aims to enhance the position of this important event, which is widely regarded as one of the most prominent events on the Sharjah retail calendar.