The first-ever specialised exhibition management degree (EMD) offered in the Middle East has successfully completed its first module at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Created by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and the University of Co-operative Education of Germany, and hosted by Dubai World Trade Centre, the course attracted participants from Oman, Singapore, Qatar, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria and the UAE.

The broad range of participants from East Asia, Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East reflects the substantial demand that exists for high level education in the exhibition and meetings sector, and demonstrates UFI’s strong understanding of the needs of the industry.

It is also a sign of Dubai’s increasingly prominent leadership position in the regional exhibition and convention industry, driven by the dynamic growth of its event sector, as well as its convenient location and developed infrastructure.

Participants will also take a further two modules online, before completing the full programme with a fourth module in Dubai in January.

A total of 18 UAE nationals also participated in the six-day EMD module, which contributes to a professional degree that is recognised as the international professional standard for exhibition organisers and venue managers.

By supporting their participation, DWTC is aiming to ensure that professionals in the region’s exhibition and convention sectors are equipped with the highest possible management qualifications.

“This first module of the Exhibition Management Degree has been a major success, both in attracting professionals from across a diverse region and also in bringing out the best in participants. UFI’s launch of this pioneering programme helps to raise the standard of event organisation and execution across the region, and we are confident that our cooperation will continue to grow and develop,” said DWTC director-general Helal Saeed Al Marri.

Dubai workshops were led by Professor Dr. Joerg Beier of the University of Co-operative Education in Ravensburg, Germany, where he is the head and founder of the department of “Exhibition, Convention and Event Management,” one of Europe’s premier institutions for the event industry.

Prof. Beier is supported by a group of international trainers from six countries for the course.

Participants have offered strong support for the degree course, particularly since it provides them with a professional qualification that is recognised across the global event industry. The first Dubai module attracted 31 participants from 13 countries.

UFI promotes, serves, and represents the international exhibition industry. A 455-member organisation, it is present in 83 countries, with members managing and operating over 4,500 exhibitions globally.

The DWTC is the market leader in the conferences and exhibitions sector for the entire Middle East, which has evolved into an Dh12 billion ($3.37 billion) a year industry.  Advanced Studies in Exhibition Management II will run at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from January 19 to 24, 2008. – TradeArabia News Service