AquaArt to showcase health benefits of ‘doctor fish’ at ‘Aquariya Expo 2009’
Company to highlight alternative health and beauty treatments using the unique aquatic specie to spas and hotels in the UAE
AquaArt, a Qatar-based distributor of top aquarium brands and exotic aquatic fish and plants, has revealed its plans to showcase the health benefits of ‘Garra Rufa’ - more popularly known as ‘doctor fish’ - at the upcoming ‘Aquariya Expo 2009’, the premier ornamental aquatic event and the largest consumer event for the marine aquarium industry in the Middle East. This is in line with the company’s aims to introduce alternative health and beauty treatments, using this unique aquatic species, to spas and hotels in the UAE. In addition to ‘doctor fish’, AquaArt will also exhibit a wide range of unique aquarium products and design services from its current portfolio of offerings during the event’s three-day run, from March 04 - 06, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dubai.
Native to the hot springs of Turkey, ‘doctor fish’ has been known to help alleviate a medical condition called ‘Psoriasis’, by encouraging them to feed on the psoriatic skin of people afflicted, making it a popular attraction among spas, manicure and pedicure centres, and health and beauty salons in Asia and the US. The fish only gently sucks on and scrubs the affected areas while at the same time exuding ‘Ditranol’ (a mild antiseptic) from its lips over the skin area, which can provide smoother and softer skin after treatment. In addition to highlighting the medical benefits of the ‘doctor fish’ at ‘Aquariya Expo 2009’, AquaArt is also a specialist in the design and construction of these ‘fish spas’ to provide proper husbandry and care of these ‘doctor fish’ as well as the hygiene in the therapy ponds for its human patrons. The proper design of these fish spa filtration systems is of utmost importance in order to keep these prized fish in optimum condition, replicating its natural hot spring environment.
“With the growing popularity of alternative health and beauty treatments, this unique fish species ‘doctor fish’ has caught the interest not only of fish hobbyist but also those who are seeking unconventional treatments and therapeutic benefits,” said Kevin Tan, General Manager, AquaArt. Our participation at the ‘Aquariya Expo 2009’ is intended to introduce new and exciting developments in the spa industry to hotels and health resorts in the UAE. We believe that this event will provide us with an excellent platform to talk to our customers, which will enable us to expand our customer base in the Emirates.”
In addition to AquaArt, 49 other exhibitors from over 15 countries, including Brazil, China, France, India, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Slovakia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, UAE, USA, Poland and Qatar have also confirmed their participation at the event, along with industry experts who will be talking about the new trends and breakthroughs in the market. The exhibitors will be comprised of ornamental fish farmers and traders, as well as importers, exporters, distributors and dealers of ornamental fish, fish food, aquarium plants, water treatment equipment, aquarium accessories, illuminations, ornaments and backgrounds, aerators, heaters and regulators. Participants at the event will be exposed to the latest technological innovations in aquarium keeping, appraisal on the global market trends, marketing issues and challenges, policies and legislation.
“We are expecting 5,000 manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and hobbyists in ornamental and exotic fish to attend the show, which underlines the draw of ‘Aquariya Expo 2009’ among local and international aquarium enterprises. In addition, participating companies are also set to carry out trade activities and promotion within the show for a wide array of exotic fishes and reef aquariums, peripheral goods and equipment such as corals, inverts and pet accessories, which seals our commitment to provide an all-inclusive marine event,” concluded Raees Ahmed, Director, Orange Fairs & Events.
In addition to the extensive international delegation, six companies from the UAE are also set to stage a comprehensive presence at the event, including Aquarium Lives, Living Colors, National House Trading Est., Saint Vincent Group, Reef of Fish, and World of Fishes. Government bodies participating at the event include the Marine Export Promotion and Development Authority (MEPDA), India and Department of Fisheries, Malaysia.
