Jubran Abdulrahman

Bahrain-based Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE) has postponed its flagship industry event, the Gulf Industry Fair to February 8. The most comprehensive industry-related exhibition in the Middle East, (GIF 2011) is usually held in January.

The event, which runs over three days at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre in conjunction with the Gulf Industry Forum, is traditionally held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

As per the new schedule, the fourth edition of Gulf Industry Fair will be held from February 8 to 10 instead of January 18 to 20.

“The decision to hold our events in February as opposed to the traditional January timing has been arrived at after careful consideration and consultation with key exhibitors and other regional event organisers,” said Jubran Abdulrahman, managing director of HCE.

“January is a busy calendar month for industry in the GCC and hopefully the decision to hold our exhibition in February now will mean that exhibitors can not only take advantage of the huge opportunities that GIF offers in the market, but may also be able to attend other, regional conferences and events,” he added.

"It is essential as exhibition organisers that we recognise not only the huge business potential for exhibitors of our own geographical location, but are able to see the larger market as a whole, and take decisions based on the overall business needs of our clients,"  Abdulrahman said.

"In addition, now that the show enters its fourth year, increased interest from international participants has meant that pushing the show dates back also gives them more time to prepare for the events after the 2010 festive season. We feel that our decision will achieve that and allow the best possible advantages overall to our loyal exhibitor base,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service