Big Interview
Sharjah turns a new page for business
WITH EXPO 2020 DUBAI LOOMING INTO VIEW AND THE EMIRATES POSITIONING THEMSELVES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GLOBAL BUSINESS EVENTS REOPENING , CMW HEARS FROM H . E . SAIF MOHAMED AL MIDFA , CEO OF EXPO CENTRE SHARJAH
ow have you coped in Sharjah and the United Arab Emirates ( UAE ), from a business events point of view , over the past 15 months ? Even though the world is still struggling with the coronavirus pandemic , several countries , including the UAE , have made successful attempts to restore normalcy . Well-managed lockdowns and aggressive vaccine roll outs are accelerating the economic rebound in the country and the UAE is almost fully open for business .
The past 15 months were particularly bad for the events industry across the world . Like other markets , the UAE and the Middle East were affected . However , by the end of 2020 , the industry staged a quick rebound , with physical events being organised across the country and the region , including the Sharjah International
Book Fair at Expo Centre Sharjah , which was attended by over 1,000 exhibitors and 382,000 visitors . And with Expo 2020 Dubai set to be held in a few months ’ time , we are fast returning to normal .
Despite the challenges , we managed to host 20 events in 2020 and are on track to organise a full calendar of more than 40 events this year . We managed this by heavily localising our events initially , as well as relying on technology to promote our events and adhering to protocols and guidelines . Our latest event , the recently concluded Big Shopper Sale , was a big success , attracting 33,000 visitors .
According to UFI data , in 2020 the exhibition industry contracted by 68 % globally with profits down 58 % in the Middle East and Africa region , which includes the UAE . At the peak of the pandemic last year , the drop in scheduled departure flights was more than 80 % in the UAE . But , by the first quarter of 2021 , the UAE tourism sector continued its recovery with the average hotel occupancy rates across the country nearing 63 %.
Apart from trade , travel , tourism and hospitality sectors , most other key sectors of the economy such as the real estate and financial services are also reporting a resurgence in demand . No wonder the country has been rated as the most resilient economy in the region in 2021 .
How do you see your local strengths going forward to attract MICE business ? With its premium offerings in hotels , conference centres , entertainment facilities and shopping malls , the incentives market is important to our MICE industry . The travel and tourism industry is already reporting robust corporate bookings which will only increase . With the countdown starting for one of the world ’ s biggest events – Expo 2020 – the regional industry will be in the global limelight , besides enhancing the reputation of the UAE as a world-leading MICE destination . We are constantly increasing our MICE capacities , and boosting our appeal as one of the top global destinations for world-class business events .
Left : Expo Centre Sharjah
What has been the plan at Expo Centre Sharjah for resuming hosting major events ? Expo Centre Sharjah was not spared the impact of the pandemic . Events were cancelled , postponed , scaled down and modified . However , some swift thinking and action helped us to get back on our feet fast and by the end
ISSUE 113 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 17