The Middle East Toy Fair will open tomorrow (March 23) at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The event will host leading toy manufacturers, distributors of child and baby related products, stationery and educational supplies, to over 5,000 visitors from 100 countries.

By 2010 the worldwide toy sales are expected to grow to Dh317 billion, an increase of 14 per cent since 2008 (Dh278 billion).

International toy manufacturers are interested in seeking new markets where the industry is still strong and lucrative, like that of the UAE’s. UAE ranks 7th in the worldwide list of the top 10 toy importing countries, reported Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organisers of the Middle East Toy Fair.

“According to the latest figures compiled by Dubai Ports, the toy imports witnessed an increase of 7 per cent since 2006, valued at Dh603 million for 2007, out of which approximately 55 per cent (Dh334 million) is re-exported to the neighbouring GCC and African countries ,” said Elisabeth Brehl, MD of Epoc Messe Frankfurt.

The most awaited feature of the Middle East Toy Fair is the Toy Fair Awards, which recognises the latest path-breaking products from eight broad categories.

The products awarded and short-listed will be on exclusive display at the exhibition to the market, and will be commercially launched in the Middle East for the very first time, a few weeks after the close of the exhibition.

The young GCC population offers major business opportunities to the baby and infant market. Recent statistics indicate that the birth rates for Saudi Arabia and the UAE are growing annually at a rate of 2.8 per cent and 1.61 per cent respectively; compared to 1.1 per cent, she said.

Middle East Toy Fair in 2009 will also feature seminars, with main focus on the African continent.

This year's event will  also have various product demonstrations, apart from the Rubik’s Competition with the support of the World Cube Association and organised by The Toy Store. Some of the world’s greatest Rubik's Cube puzzle-solvers will compete in front of a live audience.-TradeArabia News Service