His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa inaugurated the leading integrated business-to-business showcase for the construction, interiors and property sectors at glittering ceremony in the presence of Industry Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro and other senior government officials and industry captains.

 

Speaking at the launch, event organisers HCE officials said history was being made today as for the first time, three distinct exhibition brands had come together under one roof for a one-of-a-kind business to business (B2B) and business to consumer (B2C) experience. 

 

The concurrent events, which run till May 9 at the BIECC under the patronage of HRH Prime Minister, are an unrivalled platform boasting more than 188 exhibitors this time around, further boosting the market's confidence to stimulate investment, they stated.

 

In combination, the well-established and market-leading gulfBID and gulfInteriors exhibitions, plus the inaugural Gulf Property Show, make a formidable and inspiring trio, redefining the trade showcase concept for companies and consumers in the Northern Gulf’s buoyant construction, contracting, interior design and real estate sectors, said the event organisers.

 

Promising to deliver one seamless visitor experience under one roof at the BIECC the shows are highly complementary yet with distinct themes, they added.

 

Emphasising accessibility and choice, there simply is no other integrated regional B2B and B2C show covering the entire chain from architectural services to construction, from contracting to real estate development, building materials and equipment supplies to interior design services and property sales.

 

According to HCE, floor space in all three exhibition halls at BIECC had been sold out, a total of 7,500 sq m occupied by 185 companies from Bahrain, the region and further afield.

 

“The decision to introduce a dedicated property show into the fold was entirely logical for two principal reasons: first, regional economic indicators, as well as key demographic indicators such as population growth estimates, suggest real estate market will be a major economic driver of the future in the Northern Gulf, so it made sense to launch a targeted B2B and B2C show to serve this need," remarked HCE managing director Jubran Abdulrahman.

 

“On the other hand, we believe that Bahrain as an important regional meeting point for specialist trade sectors, needs a dedicated property sector showcase. We therefore have high hopes that the Gulf Property Show will prove as successful as gulfBID and gulfInteriors’ proven track records,” he said.

 

“What this means for exhibitors in 2013 is even more opportunities to meet prospective clients, secure contracts, learn more about the latest market trends and share opinions and experiences," stated Abdulrahman.

 

“For visitors, it means a unique access to the full supply chain of products and services in one area; where you can buy or invest in a residential or commercial property, find building services, materials or equipment, and decorate, furnish or design home or office interiors,” he added.

 

HCE exhibition director Ahmed Suleiman said the inaugural property show is much more than just a platform to showcase real estate projects.

 

"It brings together the entire real estate sector, from developers to regional authorities, financial services providers and consultants, providing a dedicated, comprehensive property-related event held in the heart of  the region,” he noted.

 

The gulfBID2013 will play host to just under 100 companies, some of whom are participating for the first time: including Haji Hassan Group, Al Bait, Kavalani, and Al Moayyed International from Bahrain.

 

The gulfInteriors, which made its debut three years ago, has already established itself as a firm favourite among trade and consumer visitors,  with a unique identity where market-leading interiors, design and furniture companies promote their capabilities to an increasingly sophisticated and discerning audience.

 

To further trigger interest, gulfInteriors 2013 will stage a showcase for home-grown and renowned international brands, covering sectors including furniture, paints, kitchens, bathrooms, lighting, ceramics, wall coverings and art and accessories segments, in a creatively charged yet distinctly boutique atmosphere.

 

The 72 companies that have confirmed their participation at gulfInteriors 2013 represent some of the most recognised and respected brands in the industry, including Hempel and Berger Paints, Thevenon, Designers Guild, Sonia Rykel Maison, Tarkett and  Missoni Home.

 

“Since 2010, gulfInteriors has developed a flavour and character all of its own. While it still complements the overwhelmingly successful gulfBID exhibition, participants and visitors recognise and value the niche element of the interiors show – a place where specialists mingle and do business with project managers, specifiers, buyers and even home owners," observed Abdulrahman.

 

With the addition of Gulf Property Show and against the backdrop of continued economic vitality, HCE will expect a significant increase on the 6,500 visitors who attended gulfBID and gulfInteriors 2012.

 

Strategic supporters of gulfBID 2013  and gulfInteriors 2013 include Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Tamkeen Labour Fund, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA), the German Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Ghorfa).

 

The strategic sponsor for the Gulf Property Show, meanwhile, is Manara Developments Company, with Bahrain Financial Harbour and Sakaan (Saar Central) supporting the inaugural show as Gold Sponsors.-TradeArabia News Service