Massive crowds are expected to attend one of Bahrain's largest consumer exhibitions, which will open tomorrow (January 21).

The 25th Autumn Fair will be held under the patronage of Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Organiser Arabian Exhibition Management project manager Mohammed Ebrahim told the GDN they expect a record turnout this year.

"Last year we had 166,000 visitors, but we're expecting around 200,000 visitors this year," he said.

"The exhibition is larger and based on the number of calls I've been receiving on a daily basis I'm expecting a very good show.

"I believe it will be more successful than ever before."

More than 120 Bahraini entrepreneurs will take part in the annual event, which will run until January 29.

"Most of them are being supported by Tamkeen," said Ebrahim.

"In terms of percentage, it's less because the exhibition is larger this year, but more companies are taking part than before.

"All the companies that took part last year are participating again this year, with more people."

The fair will host more than 750 exhibitors from 21 countries with a variety of goods on sale, including speciality food, fashion, furniture, technology, toys and textiles.

Exhibitors will be arriving from China, Egypt, Kuwait, Turkey, Thailand, Syria, the UAE and Pakistan.

"The show size has grown by 11 per cent this year and is filled to capacity," said Ebrahim.

"Visitors can look forward to more choice, new exhibitors, unique products and thousands of potential bargains."

There will also be an outdoor play area for children with a live band and costume characters.

Ebrahim admitted the quality of products at the fair was not particularly high in previous years, but plans were in place to change that.

"We have a new pavilion from Thailand at the exhibition this year," he said.

"In the past we've had some from places like Syria, Egypt and Kuwait.

"We're bringing in new things into the show and change it up so that people can have a variety of items."

Doors will open from noon to 10pm on Tuesday and Friday, while on January 28 and 29 it will be open between 10am and 10pm.

On January 22, 23 and 25 through to 27, the expo will be open from 10am until 1pm and 4pm until 10pm.

Special women-only mornings will be held on January 26 and 27.

Tickets cost 700 fils ($1.8) while entry is free for children under five.

Tickets will be available at kiosks outside the centre. - TradeArabia News Service