Aquariya Expo 2009, the ornamental aquatic exhibition, opened yesterday (March 4) with exhibitors from 60 countries displaying their products.

Said to be the largest consumer event for the marine aquarium industry in the Middle East, Aquariya Expo 2009 was opened by Obaid Mohammad Jumaa Al Matroushi, Assistant Undersecretary for Fisheries Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Water, UAE.

The event, which is running at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dubai, will end tomorrow (March 6).

The expo is showcasing $5 million worth of ornamental fish species from leading exporters from the region and across the globe.

According to Orange Fairs & Events, the event organiser, a total of 60 exhibitors from Brazil, China, France, India, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Slovakia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, UAE, US and Poland are conducting retail and trade activities and promotion within the show.

In addition, relevant government bodies, including the Marine Export Promotion and Development authority from India and the department of fisheries from Malaysia, are also participating at the exhibition and have sent their representatives to the event.

“Aquariya Expo 2009 is considered as the largest ornamental aquatic exhibition in the Middle East, and this highlights the leading position of Dubai in the region as well as the focus of the UAE government towards enriching non-energy industries,” said Al Matroushi.

“The exhibition is set to support most of the local sectors and especially tourism and communicate the various benefits of the showcased products,” he added.

“I am delighted to see that it has generated considerable participation from domestic players as well as regional and global companies.

“Commendation is due to the organiser of Aquariya Expo 2009 for providing an excellent platform that allows companies to network with high-potential global and regional partners, and learn about the latest developments and industry knowledge, which can help them expand their businesses.”

In addition to a wide array of exotic fish species, Aquariya Expo 2009 also features reef aquariums, as well as peripheral goods and equipment such as corals, inverts and pet accessories for display and trade from ornamental fish farmers and traders, importers, exporters, distributors and dealers.

Other products being featured at the event include ornamental fishes, fish food, aquarium plants, water treatment equipment, aquarium and furniture, aquarium accessories, illuminations, ornaments and backgrounds, aerators, heaters and regulators.

Furthermore, participants can learn about the latest technological innovations in aquarium keeping, appraisal on the global market trends, marketing issues and challenges, and policies and legislation, as industry experts discuss new trends and breakthroughs in the market throughout the event’s three-day run.

“The idea behind the conception of Aquariya Expo 2009 was the great potential of the ornamental aquatic industry in terms of providing excellent opportunities for growth for exporters, importers, manufacturers and dealers,” said Raees Ahmed, director, Orange Fairs & Events.

“The growing population and the number of unique developments, is fuelling the increase in demand for ornamental fish in the region,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service