Conferences Industry Performs Extremely Well During COVID-19 Pandemic

Expo Centre Sharjah has said that the UAE's exhibitions and conferences industry performed extremely well in 2022 with astoundingly big results and indicators that confirmed the industry's full recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and its start of a new phase of prosperity and sustainable growth, emphasizing the UAE's success in organizing and hosting many major regional and international events and exhibitions, which attracted thousands of exhibitors and visitors from across the world.

This came during the Centre's participation on the UFI Global Congress 2022, organized by the Global Association of Exhibition Industry until November 17 in the Omani capital, Muscat, as a sponsor of the event that takes place in celebration of the exhibition sector's recovery as well as promoting joint global action to envision the future of exhibitions and conferences Industry, and develop innovative strategies in order to enhance its competitiveness.

The Centre's delegation, represented by Sultan Shattaf, Director of Sales and Marketing Department, highlighted the UAE's exemplary experience and innovative procedures and practices in terms of restoring momentum to the exhibitions and conferences sector.

The delegation began its participation by holding several meetings with the representatives of the world's most prominent exhibition centres, and discussed the latest developments in the exhibition and conference industry, its future, and the ways to enhance prospects for cooperation and partnerships among exhibition organizers.

Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of the Expo Centre Sharjah, indicated that the exhibitions industry in the UAE had provided an integrated and inspiring model in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, and became one of the fastest in the world to recover from the pandemic and overcome its repercussions, cementing its position as a global destination for major international exhibitions and one of the safest destinations for attending events.

Mr. Al-Midfa underlined the importance of the UFI Global Congress as an indispensable chance for the industry's leaders and decision makers to exchange expertise and experiences and further joint efforts to improve the sector’s performance, ensure its sustainable growth and enable it to go on with its primary role as a promoter of economic recovery and a revitalizer of tourism and trade.

Mr. Shattaf presented a working paper titled ‘Success stories begin here’ in which he spotlighted the leading position of the Emirate of Sharjah in the exhibition industry and business tourism regionally and globally.

He also underscored the innovative work strategies and regulatory measures taken by the Expo Centre Sharjah to create additional value for the exhibitions industry and to enhance its sustainable growth through intensifying and diversifying the Centre’s activities agenda to include over 40 local and international exhibitions and events every single year.

The UFI Global Congress 2022 is attended by leaders and decision makers in the exhibitions industry, in addition to many CEOs, officials and directors of companies operating in the sector in various countries from across the world. A host of high-profile experts and specialists are also taking part.