gulfBID2008, the leading building and interiors exhibition for the Northern Gulf, got off to a sizzling start with a major deal announced shortly after the event opened today (May 6).
Bahrain’s Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa inaugurated the exhibition at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIEC) earlier.
Speaking after opening the exhibition, the Premier praised gulfBID 2008 as a specialised event that showcases the latest in construction and interior design.
The Premier toured the exhibition and was briefed on the exhibits displayed by nearly 200 companies representing the latest innovations in the world of decor, construction and designs.
“gulfBID marks a turning point in commercial exhibitions held in Bahrain in terms of the size and quality of products on display,” the Prime Minister said, expressing his appreciation of the initiatives made by the private sector and their growing contribution to the national economy.
“We pay great attention to these exhibitions, to enable them to play a vital and significant role in promoting products while contributing actively to the kingdom’s economic development as well as to the construction boom,” Shaikh Khalifa said.
The pace of Bahrain’s development has made the kingdom an open market for construction materials, he pointed out, adding that the exhibition industry opens up new markets to local and foreign investors while providing a favourable ground for the exchange of trade.
Meanwhile, marking a good beginning for the expo, a million-dollar deal was won by Alomi Real Wood Floors for the supply of 30,000 sq m of its trendy Speed e Dek flooring to Bahrain Financial Harbour.
The exhibition, which is in its third edition, has close to 200 exhibitors from 19 countries showcasing their very best to an industry driven by quality and demand.
The event, which is being staged at the under the patronage of the Prime Minister, runs until Thursday.
This year’s gulfBID features national pavilions from Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, the UK and Spain and exhibitors from as far away as New Zealand, who are promoting their latest products over 4,280 sq m of booked exhibition space.
gulfBID 2008 is a joint venture between dmg world media Dubai, organisers of the Big 5 and Index shows in Dubai, and Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE), a division of the Bahrain-based Al Hilal Group. The exhibition is aimed at the booming construction and interiors sectors of the Gulf region, specifically the markets of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.
Commenting on this year’s event, Bernard Walsh of dmg world media Dubai, said: “gulfBID 2008 is certainly bigger than its previous editions and we have seen a significant improvement both in terms of companies exhibiting and the products on show.
He continued: “Earlier we had to persuade the bigger companies to participate with us, but now it is getting easier as most companies fully understand the potential that the markets possess. We are confident that next year the show will be stronger and bring in more variety. Companies are realising the importance of the Northern Gulf markets and are trying to make the most of it as the region begins to unveil mega projects.”
Hall One of the BIEC is dedicated to the construction element of the exhibition which is being promoted under the name Gulf Construction whilst Gulf Interiors and Furniture is presented in Hall Two.
The show is open from 10 am-1 pm and 4 pm-9 pm. – TradeArabia News Service