Top global exhibitors will be taking part in the fifth edition of the region's unique sports and leisure industry exhibition Sportex Middle East 2007.

The show opens on November 11 at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre (DIECC).

This year Sportex Middle East 2007, organised by International Expo Consults (IEC),  is endorsed by the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

"The region as a whole, with the rapid development of sports and leisure infrastructure is now fast gaining a reputation as a global sports tourism centre. We are glad to endorse Sportex Middle East 2007 in the wake of Dubai becoming a prime destination for sports and leisure industry, contributing to the 15 per cent annual growth in inbound tourism,"
said general secretary, Dubai Sports Council, Dr Ahmad Al Sharif.

"The importance of Sportex Middle East has grown in tandem with the region's rising stature in sports and leisure industry across the world. Apart from the recreational aspect, sports and leisure industry is gaining ground as an economic activity with the potential of attracting tourists from across the world to GCC and the Middle East," said president, Falak Holding and International Expo Consults, Abdul Rehman Falaknaz unveiling the details of the show which will run till November 13, 2007.

He said the global sports and leisure industry players are now focusing on the region with the rise in the uptake of sports goods, leisure equipment and the multi-billion dollar worth of hectic infrastructure development, particularly across all GCC countries.

Keeping in view the vast gamut of the sports and leisure industry and its close-knit relation to the tourism sector, Sportex Middle East 2007 this time has been conceived as a more integrated show with a wide array of the industry segments under its canopy.

Sportex will have participants from 12 countries. The sectors which the expo will cover include fitness equipment and accessories, indoor games, water sports, sports infrastructure, accessories like shoes and apparel etc. among others.- TradeArabia News Service