The Middle East's toy market is worth more than $1.5 billion, according to Messe Frankfurt, organisers of the Middle East Toy Exhibition. This year's show will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 28-30.
Chris Hudson, Messe Frankfurt's director of exhibitions, told Khaleej Times the market is growing at fast track with an annual estimates of 11.5 per cent. This is as a consequence of large families and resulting growth in the retail sector.
"The rapid expansion of shopping mall space, by approximately 50 per cent on an annual basis, has increased the number of retailers and supermarkets keen to sell toys, games, books, stationery and all other related products," he was quoted as saying.
Many retailers are attracted to the category because of higher margins and a trend for supermarkets to sell items that appeal to the entire family. Currently, more than half the population in the Middle East is under 20 years of age. Kindergartens have more than trebled in the past five years with the number of primary schools increasing by over 35 per cent.
A wide selection of products will be featured at the Middle East Toy Fair including conventional toys like games, puzzles, remote control cars, models and bicycles to high chairs for babies and infants, cots, strollers, school bags, educational games, paints and paint brushes, arts & craft materials. Outdoor playground equipment, party supplies and a special focus on back to school items will also be included.
