DWTC to host 14 trade shows in May

The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) will host 14 trade shows in May, along with several related conferences, covering a wide array of industries from travel and tourism to hospitality and consumer products. This series of trade fairs will attract thousands of local, regional and international exhibitors and visitors from more than 65 countries, underscoring the continued growth and influence of Dubai’s meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions sector. May is the second busiest month of the year in terms of the number of activities hosted, after March, which saw DWTC welcome 20 exhibitions and conferences out of more than 100 trade fairs held at the venue throughout the year, which attract more than 1.4 million visitors.

The number and variety of the trade shows planned for May, in addition to top-tier participation from global companies and high-calibre visitors, are a vote of confidence by the international business community in Dubai’s economy. The Emirate’s pivotal role as a gateway for global trade into the regional markets continues to act as a significant draw to businesses looking to expand into the Middle East and beyond. From multinational corporations to Small and Medium Enterprises, the growing number of exhibitors and visitors reinforces the fundamental importance placed on the trade shows and exhibitions.

Kick-starting the month’s calendar of events on 2 May is the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), one of the most important events of the season. The show is a perfect meeting ground for organisations specialising in the travel and tourism sector, keeping key industry players informed of the latest developments and trends and presenting the opportunity to meet new partners the Middle East. The event, which has witnessed tremendous growth over its 18 year history, has become one of the region’s largest exhibitions, attracting 2,236 exhibitors and more than 22,000 visitors across a total exhibition area of 20,000 square metres. Meanwhile, PhotoWorld Dubai, which also begins on 2 May, offers visitors a chance to browse and buy a vast array of the latest photography equipment and cameras.

Gulf Educational Supplies & Solutions (GESS), held from 3-5 May at Airport Expo Dubai, will showcase more than 250 exhibitors from over 27 countries. The exhibition has become a vital part of the education industry in the region, offering the sector a platform to exchange ideas and insights with local and international experts, and raise awareness of new developments and innovations.

The second week of May will see the opening of Aluminium Dubai, as well as Hardware & Tools Middle East and the Dubai International Property and Investment Exhibition & Conference. Organisers of Aluminium Dubai, which will be held 9-11 May, will focus on sharing insights into the latest concepts and technologies, and driving growth in the aluminium industry, building on the success of last year’s event by offering even more opportunities to network with importers, manufacturers and buyers in the GCC.

The 12^th Hardware & Tools Middle East exhibition, held between 10-12 May, is a specialised trade event which attracts top players in the machinery, building and maintenance tools industry. Meanwhile, Dubai International Property and Investment Exhibition & Conference, also running from 10-12 May, is poised to attract representatives from some of the top property projects in the region and across the world, bringing together many of the most influential decision makers in the property investment, planning and management sectors.

The Office Exhibition, the Hotel Show and the Facilities Management Expo (FM Expo) will start their three day events on the 17 May. The Office Exhibition attracts leading international companies and brands, offering participants the opportunity to share industry knowledge and network with leading sector professionals. It also offers an ideal stage for international interior designers and global experts to showcase their modern creations and latest initiatives.

The Hotel Show is hailed as one of the Middle East’s largest specialised trade events in the hospitality supplies industry, attracting top-tier global exhibitors and visitors. The Facilities Management Expo is also known as one of the must-attend events in its sector. The show caters to the entire FM business community, focusing on the latest developments from environmental and energy management to maintenance, security services, and health and safety practices. The event also offers consulting services on the most contemporary solutions in smart and green buildings.

During the last week of May, five exhibitions will open their doors and run for three days each. Two of these, Beautyworld Middle East and Vision-X Dubai – Optical & Ophthalmic Exhibition and Conference, will begin on May 24. Beautyworld Middle East is a trade fair specialised in beauty products businesses in the region, with participation from more than 45 countries and traders and representatives from thousands of beauty centres.

Vision-X Dubai – Optical & Ophthalmic Exhibition and Conference brings together more than 3,800 experts and specialists in ophthalmology and related optical fields from 63 countries, in addition to 120 specialised companies from around the world. The two sections of the event, Vision Opticare and Vision Lifestyle, attract a large number of specialist organisations in both fields, and offer participants the opportunity to gain insights into new fashion trends, technology and best practices.

The remaining three exhibitions start on 31 May. These are the Airport Show, which is held at Dubai Airport Expo Centre, the India Sourcing Fair and the China Sourcing Fair, which are hosted at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC). The Airport Show is devoted exclusively to airport construction, operations, technology and services. It offers a networking platform for major organisations and professionals involved in airport construction and infrastructure, driving expansion and investment into the region.

The India Sourcing Fair and China Sourcing Fair present trading opportunities for buyers in the Middle East and North Africa to forge new relationships with potential suppliers from top Indian and Chinese manufacturers and exporters who are looking to expand their businesses into the region, find distribution partners and promote their brands.

May’s formidable schedule underscores DWTC’s constant drive to strengthen even further its position as a leader in the global exhibition and conference industry. It also illustrates DWTC’s commitment and capability to attract top-tier exhibitors, high-profile visitors and industry specialists, supporting growth across the Middle East’s business and commerce community.