welcome to middle east exclusive
I would like to welcome all exhibitors and visitors to the 8th edition of the middle east exclusive exhibition that will be held in Dubai from 20-22 February 2011 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
middle east exclusive is the only show of its kind in the region that brings together international and regional representatives of the travel industry for a unique opportunity to showcase the world’s leading and premier brands to hundreds of international buyers and distributors from airports, airlines, duty free operators, border shops, hotels, ships and seaports.
In spite of the uncertain global economic climate, the response to the 2010 exhibition was encouraging, which only shows that middle east exclusive continues to provide an effective business platform for the region’s rapidly expanding duty free and luxury goods industry.
The United Arab Emirates continues with its impressive expansionary path and its travel and tourism industry also remains upbeat about its long-term prospects. Strong growth is reflected in its hotels and airports, and its leisure and retail sectors. The 2010 opening of phase one of the Al Maktoum International Airport is a good example of our long-term confidence and planning. Other countries in the region are pursuing substantial tourism-related development projects of their own – a trend that bodes well for the future of the duty free industry and related businesses.
Our thanks goes to Dubai Duty Free and the Middle East Duty Free Association (MEDFA) and a host of retailers and distributors from the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian sub-continent, for continuously supporting the event.
On behalf of the Government of Dubai, I wish you a rewarding middle east exclusive 2011.