Vision-X Dubai 2006, the 7th Optical and Ophthalmic Exhibition and Conference, announced today that this year’s edition will break existing records for growth in its exhibitors, trade visitor and actual floor space.
Vision-X Dubai 2006, previously known as Optical Middle East, is the single most comprehensive event exclusively for the eyewear and eye care industries held in the Middle East.
This year the event has realised an increase of over 35 percent in net space with a 25 percent rise in exhibitors from more than 20 countries – for example, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Germany and the USA. Driven by the increased participation, executives believe that visitor numbers will double to around 5,000 in relation to the last show.
Top name exhibitors to attend Vision-X Dubai 2006 range from medical equipment to fashion orientated optical wear. These include Johnson & Johnson Vision Care – Middle East; Hilton International Eyewear Ltd / Conti Optics – London; and Mykita – the Berlin-based manufacturer of stylish, top quality eyewear.
The international profile of exhibitors at Vision-X Dubai reflects the surge in demand for eyewear and eye care products in the region over recent years. With a fast-growing population and high demand for both medical and fashion eyewear, the Middle East market as a whole is worth an estimated US$2 billion.
Part of Vision-X Dubai’s success comes from its effectiveness in combining both the medical and fashion sides of the eyewear and optical aids fields under one roof, the only exhibition in the region to successfully do so.
In addition, the re-branding of the event – from its earlier title of Optical Middle East – and the decision to make it annual, have combined to raise its profile significantly on the international stage.
“International companies are increasingly looking to expand their presence at the show, as a way into the Middle East’s dynamic market for eyewear, responding to both the medical needs of the local population and the demand for fashionable lenses,” said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the event.
“In the coming years, we see Vision-X Dubai making great strides to cement itself as the region’s premier eyewear show, providing opportunities to launch and showcase the finest fashions and also to discuss critical issues related to eye health,” added Al Marri.
For medical practitioners, Vision-X Dubai will host an inaugural Vision-X Dubai Conference, which is organised by the Emirates Medical Association Ophthalmic Society (EMAOS).
The two-day programme, to be held from 13 - 14 February 2006, will involve a number of international speakers and focus on new trends in contact lenses, the impact of the increasing availability of lasik surgery in the Middle East and effective solutions for the treatment of corneal diseases.
“Vision-X Dubai will offer an important opportunity for ophthalmic and eye-care specialists to meet and discuss the relevant healthcare issues surrounding treatment and delivery of best practices and services. To this end it is one of the most important events on regional trade visitors and associated medical professionals’ calendars”, said Dr. Ali Ahmed Bin Shakar - Chairman of EMAOS.
Photo caption (1): (left to right) Najiah Binte Abdul Aziz, International Project Executive, DWTC; Trixee Loh, general manager, exhibitions, DWTC; Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, DWTC; Dr. Ali Ahmed Bin Shakar – Chairman, Emirates Medical Association Ophthalmic Society (EMAOS); and Joanne Cooke, Dubai World Trade Centre.
Vision-X Dubai 2006 will be held in Hall 2 of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) from 12 – 14 February 2006. The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 6pm and is for trade and specialists only. No children will be allowed access to the exhibition.
The Vision-X Dubai Conference will be held on the 13 and 14 February 2006. The registration is AED 120/USD 33 for payment before 8 February and AED 150/USD 41 for payment after 8 February. Admission is on first come first served basis.
Vision-X Dubai 2006, formerly known as Optical Middle East, is the 7th Optical & Ophthalmic Exhibition and Conference. It is the largest regional exhibition for the latest in eyewear, optical aids and accessories in an exciting and dynamic market.
The trade and specialist exhibition is a cost-effective way to maintain and expand your market share and the ideal platform to launch new products and services.
An inaugural conference will be held alongside Vision-X Dubai 2006. This is your chance to hear from key speakers, be involved in discussions and network with industry experts.
About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
As the organiser of Vision-X Dubai 2006, Dubai World Trade Centre offers over 25 years’ experience of delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises 12 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region.
Our commitment to ongoing innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works the leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all exhibitions deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.
