As the UAE celebrates 42 years of unity, women will also showcase their unity at the upcoming 'Women’s Exhibition,' a networking platform for women entrepreneurs, start-ups and companies new to the region, from December 11 to 14 at Dubai World Trade Center.

The expo's 15th edition will feature the latest products and services for women,and encompassing diverse industries like fashion designs, beauty, health and the culinary art.

The event is being organized by Thoraya Al Awadhi, owner and founder of Thoraya Al Awadhi Group of Companies, and supported by the UAE Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the UAE Business Women Council.

The exhibition is a platform for women entrepreneurs, start-ups and companies new to the region whoseproducts and services are focused on women, said Al Awadhi at a press conference held at the UAE Business Women Council office in Dubai.

The press conference was attended by Humaid Mohammad Bin Salem, the general secretary of the UAE Federation of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Fatima Obaid Al Jaber, the chairperson of the UAE Business Women Council, and chairperson of the executive board of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council.

According to Al Awadhi, more than 100 companies from the UAE, the Arab world, Europe and beyond will be taking part this year. "It will bring a collection of lifestyle companies in the areas of spas, wellness, fashion, travel, nutrition and cuisine, home décor, bridal services," she said.

"In the four days of the 15th Women’s Exhibition, you can gain a wealth of experience by interfacing with women from diverse backgrounds. It’s a celebration of women’s entrepreneurship, empowerment and creativity. As the leading event for women, by women, we bring together visionary women with big ideas and even bigger ambitions," she stated.

"Through this event, UAE women have been enhancing their roles as business leaders and increasing their participation in society. It is also a golden opportunity for owners of start-ups and SMEs to expand their customer base and engage in knowledge exchange," Al Awadhi added.

Mohammad Bin Salem said, "Since our organization’s inception in 2001, we have strongly supported women’s entrepreneurship due to its central role in the socio-economic development of the UAE. This women's exhibition is perfectly timed, as it coincides with the UAE’s 42nd National Day celebrations as well as the voting for the Expo 2020 bids."

On the achievements so far, he said: "Since 2001 we have given constant support to women entrepreneurs, and now this sector constitutes 10 per cent of the UAE's private sector; 21,000 women have been enrolled, and now women make up 15 per cent of board of directors of the companies under our Chambers of Commerce."

Fatima Obaid Al Jaber pointed out that the exhibition industry - particularly women’s events - is a great opportunity to promote destinations and attract visitors.

"Not only entrepreneurs, who represent 20 per cent of UAE tourists, but also exhibition tourists. Many people worldwide want to visit exhibitions in the UAE due to our exceptional facilities," said Al Jaber.

"Exhibition tourists differ from other tourists due to the high quality services and facilities that they demand, regardless of the cost and average period of residence. Most UAE exhibition tourists are high caliber tourists who contribute positively to tourism income," she added.-TradeArabia News Service