The 2008 edition of the Sportex Middle East Exhibition held in early November at the Dubai World Trade Centre was the most successful event in its six-year history.

More than 3,250 trade visitors attended the event, which was endorsed by Dubai Sports Council and presented by Dubai Sports City.

Some 79 companies exhibited at Sportex Middle East showcasing the very latest in sports, fitness, health, outdoor and stadium equipment in the region this week.

“We have been delighted by the response to this year’s Sportex. The number of international exhibitors, including those from Taiwan and China, is testament to the growing stature of the Middle East’s sports and wellness market,” said president of IEC Abdul Rehman Falaknaz.

In addition to attending to business matters, Sportex also saw a show of strength from the Middle East’s athletics industry. Special events taking place during the show included the annual Bodybuilding Championship. Further highlights included a whistle-stop tour by Mr Olympia Jay Cutler.

The third Sportex Middle East Bodybuilding Competition was held under the auspices of the Emirates Bodybuilding Federation.

“The competition saw athletes compete in two weigh categories – under 80kg and over 80kg. The top five contestants in each category took home a cash prize and a certificate,” said general secretary, Emirates Bodybuilding Federation, Hussain Al Saffar.

The winner of the under-80kg category was Humaid Reda from Al Ein Classic Gym in Iran. The winner of the over-80kg category was Zaher Makhl from Lebanon’s Unifit Gym.

Exhibitors at the 2008 edition of Sportex included camping and outdoor equipment, fitness equipment and accessories, indoor sports equipment, track and field sports equipment, shoes and apparels, nutrition, and sport stadium facilities.

Sportex is supported by the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI), a world authoritative body for the sports industry and officially recognized by the IOC.

Sportex 2009 will run from December 6 to 8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. – TradeArabia News Service