Memex, a major industrial event showcasing cutting-edge machinery, technology and services for the manufacturing sector, opened in Abu Dhabi today.

With a 50 per cent increase in machinery display space, double the amount of confirmed exhibitors, and 80 per cent more pre-registered visitors than last year; the 2009 edition of Memex is the largest and most comprehensive yet, said the organisers.

Industry leaders and professionals from the burgeoning Middle East manufacturing sector have come together at Memex, which was opened by Mohammed Omar Abdulla, Undersecretary for the Department of Economic Development.

Taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre until October 20, the event is endorsed by the Department of Economic Development, the body responsible for proposing the economic and commercial policy of Abu Dhabi.

“Abu Dhabi’s sizeable investments in infrastructures, energy and the creation of numerous free and special economic zones are fostering growth in the industrial manufacturing sector,” said Abdulla.

“The significant increases in non-oil exports are critical to reach our objective of GDP growth.  While government investment in infrastructures and utilities help provide a good environment in which to live, an essential part of this strategy is the empowerment of the private sector,” he said.

“The 2009 MEMEX exhibition will continue to encourage regional manufacturing growth, bringing together industry leaders and major companies with suppliers, service providers and subcontractors,” said Ed Malkoun, group exhibition director at IIR Middle East, the organisers of Memex. 

“Despite the global economic crisis and project delays around the world, Abu Dhabi and the UAE have maintained heavy investment in the manufacturing sector, and major industrial projects like Industrial City of Abu Dhabi and Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone are on schedule.  Our event has doubled in size this year in response to a high interest in these projects and demand for local and regional industrial production,” Malkoun added.

According to official figures from the Ministry of Economy, the UAE’s non-oil and gas manufacturing projects are worth a collective $20 billion and account for nearly 300,000 jobs.  These figures are poised to grow in the coming years as the government continues to emphasise investment in local manufacturing and economic diversification.

Since its successful launch in 2007, MEMEX has established itself as the region's leading industrial exhibition, facilitating exclusive business opportunities for the Middle East’s manufacturing sector.  –TradeArabia News Service