Middle East Exclusive 2006 was officially opened by H.E Obaid Al Tayer, Chairman, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry this morning. The ceremony was also attended by VIP guests from Dubai and the surrounding emirates, together with Mr Colm McLoughlin, managing director, Dubai Duty Free and President of MEDFA, and other VIPs from the duty free industry.
Al Tayer was escorted around the exhibition floor by Channels Exhibitions’ managing director, Justin Boutros. During the tour he met and talked with many exhibitors, taking the time to stop and look at the products on show, including the many brands on show at the German Pavillion which hosts a number of Germany’s leading brands.
Al Tayer said: “With tourism and trade activities growing at unprecedented levels, this is reflected positively across different economic sectors. For example, Dubai Airport alone now handles 30million passengers every year, creating consistent demand for duty free and on-board retail products and services that fuels the success of events such as this.
“As a result, we expect Middle East Exclusive to be grow continuously like other successful shows that are managed and hosted by Dubai.”
As the show got underway, over 950 visitors had already registered for the 4th Middle East Exclusive show. Middle East Exclusive managing director, Justin Boutros said: “This year’s event has attracted a much wider audience. We are seeing an increase in interest from retailers in the wider Middle East region as well as the traditional markets and we are delighted to be able to provide a platform for new business relationships to be formed.”
This year’s event, which again is based at the Dubai World Trade Centre, has attracted a number of new exhibitors. The number of brands on show this year totals 600, which includes both international brands, such as Toscow, Equss and Wellington Jeweller from Australia, Café Tasse, Godiva and Guylian from Belgium, MCM from Korea and Champagne Laurent Perrier from France. Also from the local region a number of brands are exhibiting, including Damas, Plug-Ins and Traveller Limited from the UAE and Labora International from Lebanon.
“Middle East Exclusive is distinctive in creating an environment where both local brands and international brands can be under one roof. This region has unique requirements and a need for a show which reflects this,” explains Justin Boutros.
Visitors to Middle East Exclusive are the first in the world to see the Antares collection of products. Founded by King Power Group (Hong Kong), Antares is named after its founder Antares Cheng and the range will include watches, golf accessories, home electronics and MP3 players.
Pilgrim the Danish jewellery company announced at the show that the company has signed with Al Noor in Oman as an agent for the Middle East market. The company plans to expand its business throughout the region’s duty free market and in time open boutiques across the region. The fashion jewellery company has four collections a year and says that it is considering creating something exclusive for this region.
Godiva Chocolatier is introducing its new Gold Collection sans alcohol selections to the Middle East as this year’s Middle East Exclusive show in Dubai. The company has made significant efforts to adapt the collection to the Middle East market and says that MEE 2006 is a great platform to develop new partnerships with the region’s retailers.
