Gulf Industry Fair (GIF), the only comprehensive industry-related expo in the Northern Gulf which begins next January, has received an overwhelming response from regional players with exhibition space bookings up 25 per cent compared to previous year.

Organised by Bahrain-based Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions (HCE), the Gulf Industry Fair 2011 will see industrial giants from the Gulf and further afield once again gather at Bahrain International Convention & Exhibition Centre (BIEC) from January 18 to 20.

The expo will feature the key industrial segments of Aluminium, Machine Tools, Industrial Equipment, Manufacturing, Automation, Steel, Energy, Logistics and Ports and Free Zones.

The organisers said the GIF has experienced an 25 per cent rise in space bookings when compared to the same time last year, with very positive feedback received so far, particularly from companies in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia looking to take advantage of the myriad opportunities offered in a region poised for remarkable industrial development over the next decade.

HCE managing director Jubran Abdulrahman said: “Current indications suggest the 2011 show will eclipse 2010 in terms of booked space. Gulf Industry Fair benefits from its close proximity to Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, the home of world-class hydrocarbons-based industries, petrochemical complexes, refineries, iron and steel manufacturing facilities and associated downstream industries and the focus of a massive investment surge over the next few years.'

He pointed out that this was a big opportunity for regional and international exhibitors aiming to raise their profile in Saudi Arabia.

'The Fair also benefits from government efforts to promote Bahrain as an industrial centre, through projects such as the Salman Industrial City development which is attracting considerable inward investment in the Kingdom,' he added.

Already confirmed as a GIF2011 Strategic Aluminium Partner for the second successive year is Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), one of the world’s largest aluminium smelters, and more industrial leaders are set to follow suit.

Running alongside GIF 2011 will be the second Gulf Industry Forum, to be held at the BIEC Conference Suite on January 19 and featuring high calibre speakers from across the industrial spectrum.-TradeArabia News Service