Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE minister for foreign trade, will inaugurate five simultaneous international exhibitions taking place in Dubai from May 25 to May 27.

She will also be delivering the keynote address at the International CES/hometech exhibition after the inauguration.

Shaikha Lubna will speak on the importance of innovative technology with business leaders who understand the significant role it plays in today's home technology environment, said the organisers.

“These are international industry events that have over the years established themselves as the largest events in the region in their respective industry sectors and attracted thousands of exhibitors and visitors from around the world,” said Eckhard Pruy, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt GmbH.

“International exhibitions have helped in promoting Dubai as a trade hub in the GCC and the Middle East region and government authorities have always supported private sector initiatives in this direction,” Pruy noted.

He pointed out that rapid economic growth in the Middle East had meant that there was a tremendous focus, by international and regional companies, on discovering and nurturing new business opportunities.

“Our expanding series of annual exhibitions also matches and in many cases exceeds the growth rate of the market, as each industry develops and seeks out new opportunities.”

A total of 950 exhibitors from 43 countries around the world will demonstrate the latest in a range of products and services from to earth moving equipment to home audio systems, showcasing their wares in what promises to be the largest collection of trade exhibitions held anywhere in the Middle East.
 
“The five Messe Frankfurt shows represent the diverse markets that exist in Dubai and the wider Middle East,” Pruy observed.

“The increased number of exhibitors and trade enquiries we have received this year show just how healthy the economy of the region is and also help to cement Dubai’s status as one of the world’s leading cities for trade exhibitions. Four out of our first five shows cater to the needs of the construction industry that is booming across the region,” he commented.

Now on its ninth year, Hardware and Tools Middle East exhibition could not have come at a better time with booming construction activity in the Gulf fueled by soaring oil prices. Buildings and other real estate projects under construction is valued at Dh8.8 trillion ($2.39 trillion),” said Pruy.

“On display at the three-day exhibition will be the latest and a wide variety of mechanical, electrical and plumbing products from all over the world perfectly positioned to capture this market,” he added.

“Hand in glove with the burgeoning levels of building work is an increased demand for fixtures and fittings exhibited at the Light Middle East, the construction boom in the region has ensured that the lighting fixtures market will grow at a CAGR of almost 7 per cent that is higher than the global average of 4 per cent.”

ISH Kitchen and Bath Middle East is the design-led kitchen and bathroom exhibition in the region, attracting major manufacturers and suppliers from around the world who come to present new products and solutions.

“From properties with spectacular views of the sea, golf course or the lagoons, the focus in the highly competitive residential construction market of the Middle East has now shifted to high-end interior designs. More and more top-end housing projects are crafting bathrooms and kitchens as their unique selling proposition.” he explained.

“The market for outdoor lifestyle goods is growing: the boom in property, leisure and municipal developments, both require considerable amounts of interior and exterior landscaping. Dubai authorities forecast that spend on landscaping projects this year would be worth Dh165 million ($45 million). Construction of parks and new gol