A unique expo aimed at children between the ages of four and fourteen will offer this growing demographic, along with their parents and teachers, a fun and educational day out, said organisers of the upcoming event in Dubai.

Back to School will take place from September13 to 15, as the thousands of children and their parents prepare for the start of the new academic year.  Taking place at Meydan, the new event is organised by Congress Solutions International, part of the Emirates Group.

Children will have the opportunity to try out new hobbies, sports and activities or even choose what to do for their next birthday party.

According to latest research from the Dubai Statistics Centre, children under the age of 14 make up more than 20 per cent of Dubai’s population, with 84,603 boys and 68,414 girls aged five to 14 years old, up from 55,119 and 48,817 respectively in 2000, an overall increase of 47 per cent.

Exhibitors already signed up include NIDO FORTIFIED as Children’s Health and Nutrition Partner, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Live’ly which will offer clinical dietetic services and tailored meal programmes for weight management and Reader’s Paradise, the first book rental library delivering books to your doorstep.

Hamilton Aquatics, E-Sports and Emirates Modern Poultry Company have signed up for the event and will join the likes of the Roads and Transport Authority, which is taking part to help increase the awareness of safe and smooth transport for all.

Research by global management consultancy The Boston Consulting Group indicates that almost 35 per cent of all household expenditure in an average household is earmarked for spend on children while Dubai Events & Promotions reports that the average household spending power in the UAE stands at $14,400 per annum with the entire retail sales for the UAE predicted to reach Dh151 billion by 2015.

Working in collaboration with Strategic Partner, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the exhibition will feature specific visitor zones including interactive play areas, gadgets and video games, health and wellbeing, unique sports activities and children’s clothing.  A number of educational institutes and financial institutes will also take part to offer practical advice and guidance to parents.

“Back to School brings all members of the school community together under one roof,” said Sara Al Muhairy, head of Special Projects at the KHDA.

“The event gives KHDA and our partners a unique opportunity to engage students, parents and teachers through storytelling, competitions and activities. This event will also raise awareness of the initiative KHDA has taken to provide parents with all they need to know in order to make confident decisions about their child’s education.”

“This is the only event of its kind in the UAE and will offer a one stop solution for parents to make informed buying decision in a totally unique environment,” said Christine Weaver, Exhibition and Sponsorship manager, Congress Solutions International.

“We’re creating a really fun day out and an exciting alternative which will give children immediate access to try new products before their parents buy them.” – TradeArabia News Service