Expo Centre marks Global Exhibitions day, celebrating 48 years of excellence

Staff Reporter, Gulf Today

Expo Centre Sharjah organised a ceremony to commemorate the 10th annual Global Exhibitions Day (GED) that took place on Wednesday, under the theme “Exhibitions Unleash Potential”.

The celebration reflected the Centre’s strong commitment to supporting economic and cultural progress in Sharjah and the UAE. It also highlighted the vital role of the exhibition industry in driving sustainable development and creating new pathways for growth and prosperity.

The ceremony was attended by Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI and Expo Centre Sharjah, and Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, alongside the Centre’s department heads, managers, and staff.

The commemorative event featured a video presentation highlighting Expo Sharjah’s journey of achievements and milestones since its establishment in 1977 as the region’s first-ever exhibition centre, marking Sharjah’s path toward global leadership and excellence.

Thanks to the wise guidance and unwavering support of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Expo Centre Sharjah was relocated in 2002 to its current state-of-the-art facility, spanning 128,000 square metres.

Today, Expo Sharjah stands as a premier venue in the Middle East, with an annual calendar featuring over 80 exhibitions and events and attracting around 3 million visitors and more than 7,000 companies and brands from nearly 60 countries, establishing the emirate as a leading destination for major global events.

Abdallah Sultan Al Owais said that celebrating the Global Exhibitions Day underscores the strategic significance of the exhibition sector in advancing Sharjah’s comprehensive and sustainable development goals.

He noted that strengthening the exhibition industry remains a top priority for the Sharjah Chamber, as it serves as a key growth driver, positively influencing related sectors such as tourism. In 2024, the emirate recorded 1.6 million hotel guests, reflecting an 11% increase compared to 2023.

For his part, Saif Mohammed Al Midfa remarked that Global Exhibitions Day coincides with a period of continued growth and diversification at Expo Centre Sharjah.

In 2024, the Centre welcomed close to 3 million visitors, with an expanded portfolio of sector-specific events. In the first half of 2025, performance indicators remained strong, with new exhibitors representing nearly 20% of total participation, an achievement that reinforces the Centre’s position as a globally competitive hub for international trade shows and exhibitions.

Al Midfa also noted that the exhibitions sector plays a vital role in driving economic activity. According to the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), the exhibitions sector made a substantial economic impact in 2024, recording $398.2 billion in total spending, including $162.3 billion in direct expenditures. The sector also contributed $ 233.1 billion to global GDP, as reported by UFI.

During the first half of 2025, Expo Sharjah, along with its affiliate centres in Khorfakkan and Al Dhaid, delivered a robust performance and significant milestones.

Expo Centre Sharjah’s 2025 events calendar commenced with the “SteelFab” exhibition, attracting nearly 300 companies from 35 countries. The event facilitated the signing of significant trade agreements, further reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a key industrial hub.

The agenda also included the Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition “ACRES 2025”, which brought together over 110 exhibitors and achieved remarkable success, with real estate transactions exceeding Dhs 4.3 billion and a footfall of more than 15,000 visitors.

In January and February 2025, the Jewels of Emirates Show stood out with the participation of over 500 brands and elite designers. The momentum continued with “Ramadan Nights” exhibition that took place in March and Hive Furniture Show in May.

The 55th edition of the Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show, held across May and June, set new attendance records with over 87,000 visitors, 500 exhibitors, and 1,800 designers and industry experts, marking first-time participation from Russia, Mexico, Tanzania, and Egypt.

In 2024, Expo Centre Sharjah strengthened its international footprint and its broad network of partnerships by signing approximately 12 global cooperation agreements and receiving numerous high-level foreign delegations.

The Centre also continues to invest in the growth of the exhibitions sector, as demonstrated by its hosting of the inaugural 2025 World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) Middle East Members Conference, bringing together leaders and representatives from the region’s growing number of 18 World Trade centre businesses.

Expo Centre Sharjah is set to deliver a dynamic calendar of specialised exhibitions in the second half of 2025. Key upcoming events include debut editions of the Middle East Cosmetics Show, the Evolve Future Mobility Show, and Dairy Tech Middle East, exhibition reflecting the Centre’s focus on sectoral diversification and innovation.

Al Owais and Al Midfa concluded the ceremony by honouring a group of distinguished employees and team members who played a vital role in the Centre’s accomplishments in recent years. The recognition highlighted their dedication and efforts in enhancing event performance and contributing to the development of the exhibition sector.