The ongoing Ramadan Fair at Expo Centre Sharjah has recorded a 40 per cent rise in visitor turnout in the first fortnight of the show as against the same period last year.

The 24-day show, which got under way on August 11, attracted 73,889 visitors until August 23, as against 51,956 during the first two weeks in the previous year.

“This is more than 40 per cent jump in the number of visitors, and we are only through with the first nine days of the 24-day fair. If this trend of these two weeks is anything to go by, then the fair is set to attract record-breaking figures this year,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, director-general of Expo Centre Sharjah.

Last year, during its 24-day run, the Ramadan Fair had received 97,112 visitors.

“The rise in number of visitors is as much a confirmation of the popularity of the Emirate and the fair as it is of the rising consumer confidence as well as the robustness of the retail sector in the country and the region,” Al Midfa added.

According to the latest MasterCard Worldwide Index of Consumer Confidence, consumer confidence in the UAE is at a record high, with a score of 95.6 showing significant improvement from six months ago (73.6), a year ago (82.4) and even 18 months ago (86.1).

The latest consumer confidence score for the UAE is the highest since 2004 and is significantly higher than markets such as China (78.3), Hong Kong (69.9) and India (75.2), a stateemnt said.

The retail sector is also witnessing an uptrend, with a report by Business Monitor International forecasting the country’s retail sales to grow from an estimated $21.61 billion in 2011 to $28.72 billion by 2015.

More than 150 establishments have their stalls at 8,000 sq m of exhibition space, showcasing household items, furniture, electronics, food products, garments, footwear, gift items and jewellery. Foreign participation is from China, Turkey, Italy, India, Pakistan, Singapore and Malaysia, among others.

“The rise in visitors can also be attributed to the fact the Ramadan Fair is celebrating its silver jubilee and we have lined up a series of shopping and entertainment events for the whole family during all the 24 days of the show,” added Al Midfa.

Zafar Islam, DGM-Operations, Emax, said, “We have had excellent footfall… the response has been above our expectations… This has prompted us to explore a long-term deal with Expo Centre Sharjah and participation in its other events too.”

“Expo Centre has marketed the show pretty well through print ads and other media. The location of Expo Centre has also proved to be a big advantage,” he added.

Qamar Pasha, an exhibitor from Pakistan who is displaying specially designed ladies clothing at his stall, said, “We are doing extremely well. Our designs are much sought after by both residents and visitors.”

Right from Heritage Village to live cooking and make-up demonstrations and magic shows to raffle draws, the Ramadan Fair has packed enough for residents and visitors to enjoy shopping as well as spend time with their friends and relatives.

Somsin, one of the exhibitors at the Pavilion, said, “Our Thailand exotic fruits are a favourite among the visitors… they are selling like hot cakes. In fact, all our products are hot favorites among visitors. We are going to book our space for the next edition of the show now itself… a bigger space for sure because we plan to bring a bigger variety of products next time.”

The Expo Centre will also host the fourth draw of the Festival on September 2 for a Nissan Altima, from Arabian Automobiles, nine economy class and one business class tickets from Emirates airlines as well as Dh20,000 ($5,445).

Other activities at the fair include display of local handicraft products, religious seminars, food court, amusement & fun rides, free health check-up, quiz competitions, workshops for kids, face painting, and a wide range of entertainment activities.

“Visitors can expect several special activities for the Eid days. Eid Al Fitr is the time to celebrate, to get together with family and friends and exchange gifts. The Ramadan & Eid Fair will be the best choice for the occasion and visitors can expect a whole lot of exciting events to make their day memorable at Expo Centre Sharjah,” said Al Midfa.

The show is being organised by Expo Centre Sharjah in association with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. – TradeArabia News Service