Sixty international and regional exhibitors have signed up for a health, fitness and well-being exhibition and conference taking place in Bahrain next month.

The first Health and Wellness Expo will be held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC) under the patronage of Health Minister Dr Faisal Al Hamer, from January 12 to 14.

Healthy living, nutrition, relaxation, spas, fitness, medical and alternative medicines will be in focus at the event, which also aims to provide business opportunities for companies in the industry.

It is being organised by the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority (Beca) in recognition of the government's efforts to create awareness on health issues.

The annual event also includes seminars and workshops on self-empowerment, which are organised by Bahrain Meditation Centre for Self Development (BMC) and Golden Trust.

'There are so far 60 international and regional exhibitors covering 1,100-sqm that are participating in the expo,' said Beca chief executive officer Hassan Jaffar Mohammed at a Press conference held at the BIECC yesterday.

'I am certain that the size will double in the years to come and I expect additional exhibitors from all over the world.'

He said the event would serve as a platform and networking opportunity for companies and enable them to gain knowledge, practice and advice from visiting experts.

'By bringing together an international group of health and wellness industry professionals, this key event will help exhibitors from different parts of the world to consider investing in Bahrain,' said Mohammed.

The expo is being supported by the Industry and Commerce Ministry and Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

It is free and open to the public from 10am to 1pm and 4pm to 9pm on all three days.

Health Ministry Public and International Relations Directorate society awareness co-ordination programme acting head Hassan Al Mubarak said the exhibition was in line with the ministry's latest strategy to improve the health of the population by partnering with stakeholders.

Part of the ministry's mission was also to encourage people to be responsible for their personal health and to increase self awareness, he said.

During the expo, the ministry will provide visitors with free health screening, which includes blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.

'The Health Ministry is confident that this expo will offer families an opportunity to discover resources that will strengthen and promote a healthy lifestyle and learn about the latest well-being products and services,' said Mubarak, who was speaking on behalf of Public and International Relations director Abdulaziz Al Rafaei.

An associated conference on the theme, Awakening Your Inner Power and Potential, will be held under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, from January 11 to 14 at the BIECC.

About 500 participants are expected to attend the event, which aims to help people develop their latent inner strengths and cultivate clear thinking and in turn help them to overcome obstacles and achieve personal goals.

The non-profit event, which is the first of its kind in the Middle East, will attract speakers and professionals from around the world, including Japan, Australia, US and India.

'The BMC's conference and Beca's expo together deal with aspects of physical and mental health and complement each other very well,' said BMC president Dr Ebrahim Al Dossary.

In support of the exhibition the BMC will provide free lectures from 7pm to 9pm throughout the event.

The conference is organised by the BMC and Golden Trust and supported by Beca.

It is BD40 to attend and will open at 7pm on January 11, and from January 12 to 14, from 9am to 5pm.

To register visit www.imcbahrain.org, e-mail info@imcbahrain.org or call 39652158 or 38388219.-TradeArabia News Service