Expo Centre Sharjah has participated in the ICCA Middle East Summit 2023, which took part from August 30-31 at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre under the theme “Forging a Collective Path to a Prosperous Future.”

 Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, Chairman of the Arab Union for Exhibitions, and board member of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, represented the centre in the summit to boost regional collaboration in the exhibitions and conferences sector and explore future opportunities and developments that solidify the sector’s contribution to economic expansion.

During the event, Al Midfa engaged in discussions with several CEO attendees, exploring avenues for strengthening strategic cooperation with association members to further the development and sustainability of the sector, initiate collaborative exhibitions and conferences, and broaden the prospects of the industry.

Al Midfa also introduced a working paper highlighting the significance of the exhibition and conference sector on both regional and global scales. He emphasized its central role in bolstering economies, augmenting commercial activities, and widening the scope of economic and trade collaborations among individuals, businesses, and nations.

He underscored that the global exhibition sector’s valuation, surpassing $151 billion, underscores its relevance to the world economy. Meanwhile, in the Middle East and North Africa, the sector’s worth is projected to escalate from $53.63 billion in 2022 to an impressive $76.67 billion by 2028.

He shed light on the exceptional development and growth seen in the exhibitions and conferences sector within the GCC countries, with the UAE standing out notably. The UAE ranks among the top nations in the global exhibition industry.

Highlighting the UAE’s leadership role in this domain, he referred to the country’s hosting of prominent global events such as Expo 2020 Dubai. Reinforcing its pivotal position, the UAE is set to host the Conference of the Parties (COP28) from November 30 to December 12 this year.

Al Midfa accentuated Sharjah’s reputation as a premier global hub for staging significant regional and international events, a stature earned through its extensive experience and legacy in the sector.

Furthermore, he said that Expo Centre Sharjah draws over 2.5 million visitors each year from approximately 50 events and exhibitions, adding that the centre’s participation in the summit reaffirms its commitment to stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in the global exhibition and conference industry.

The two-day regional assembly brought together over 120 local and regional experts, as well as specialized institutions in conference and exhibition management. The gathering touched on the role of economic studies and data in shaping future blueprints for conferences and exhibitions. It also emphasized avenues for startups to gain insights from successful ventures and delved into key aspects that draw youth to this industry.

Meanwhile, the 10th edition of Al Maleh and Fishing Festival, a joint venture organized by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Dibba Al Hisn Municipality, and the Municipal Council of Dibba Al Hisn, continues to attract a growing number of visitors for the fourth consecutive day.

Residents from Dibba Al Hisn and other emirates have flocked to the festival not only to indulge in heritage events, folkloric tunes, and leisure activities but also to view demonstrations ranging from fish preparation techniques to shipbuilding and traditional fishing methods.

As the festival draws to its conclusion on Sunday evening, there has been a marked uptick in sales for participants. Fishermen, productive families, and shop owners specializing in Al Maleh products and their derivatives highlighted the festival’s cultural and economic significance. They emphasized its role as an annual platform for knowledge exchange, product promotion, and boosting sales, especially of Al Maleh products, as it continues to draw in thousands of visitors.

Abdul Aziz Shattaf, Assistant Director-General for the Communications and Business Sector at SCCI, reaffirmed the importance of maritime heritage, considering it an integral part of the Emirati cultural fabric.

“The SCCI, together with all event organizers, is committed to showcasing this rich heritage to society at large, celebrating the historical and heritage customs of the UAE’s seafarers and those engaged in sea-related professions.”

Shattaf stressed that the chamber will spare no effort to stimulate economic and commercial activity, bolster the craft and food sectors in the Eastern Province of the Emirate of Sharjah, and inspire locals to maximize the opportunities presented by the festival.