Hospitality and F&B decision makers from across the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian sub-continent are in Dubai this week, to attend Dubai International Hospitality Week (DIHW), which opens its doors tomorrow (September 18).

Running until September 20 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), DIHW brings together over 2,000 exhibitors from across five continents and is endorsed by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism). Over 50,000 visitors are expected to attend the event, including C Level buyers from a wide spectrum of organizations in the Middle East, including Al Seer, Majd Al Futtaim Retail, Weetabix Food Co, Dubai Duty Free, Al Shaya Group, Jumeirah Group, Grand Hyatt Dubai, Habtoor Grand Resort, Fairmont Hotels, W by Westin, Costa Coffee and many more.

“Dubai International Hospitality Week is an essential platform for the world’s hospitality industry, providing an unmissable opportunity for industry players to source the latest products and innovations, network, learn and invest in the region’s accelerating hospitality market. Dubai is a well-established hub for the hospitality industry and its exceptional logistics infrastructure makes it a key trade gateway between east and west markets,” said Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president, Exhibitions & Events Management (DWTC). “The event brings together six important trade shows to provide immediate access to every aspect and product segment that is relevant to today’s hospitality players, no matter their size or reach. This makes a visit to DIHW unbelievably convenient in terms of time and ease of sourcing – this is an event that will deliver on all levels.”

Andy Stuart, vice president of the dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa Hospitality Portfolio including The Hotel Show and The Leisure Show, said: “Dubai is a leading choice for international and regional hospitality brands. Already home to the world’s biggest hotel and restaurant chains, and regional developers that are leading global trends – all within an accessible distance – the hospitality landscape here is one of the most innovative and impressive in the world. The current hotel construction pipeline is set to bring the UAE closer to the forefront of the international stage. In Dubai International Hospitality Week, we are providing the ultimate platform to source everything required to effectively develop or maintain a hotel or foodservice establishment in this central global market.”

DIHW includes six co-located trade shows: GulfHost, owned and organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC); The Hotel Show and The Leisure Show, owned and organised by dmg events; and The Speciality Food Festival (DWTC), Seafex Middle East (DWTC) and yummex Middle East, jointly organised by DWTC and Köelnmesse.

Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “The growth of the hospitality industry has never been more pivotal to Dubai and the region. With our sights set on achieving our strategic vision of welcoming 20 million visitors a year by 2020, a dedicated hospitality platform to support this is vital. Combining these trade shows under one overarching event will help us to provide a comprehensive stage for the industry’s needs and welcome the world’s leading players in hospitality.”

All shows are open between from September 18-20 and are for trade and business professionals only. Registration will be available at the show upon proof of trade status. One pass provides free access to all six trade shows across Dubai International Hospitality Week (DIHW). - TradeArabia News Service