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the growth . It is still very much a local market , international , regional and local exhibitors addressing the domestic demand . That will change probably quite quickly . The UAE remains the regional hub for events and the growth here is strong as well . In a world where travel and sustainability are coming under more scrutiny , shows like our Big 5 Global construction event in Dubai will attract buyers from all over the region , for that one-stop-shop . Our investment and development here , akin to the UAE itself , is to expand that reach and draw from further afield , into Africa and ASEAN . Bahrain , Qatar are also on the radar , with fantastic venues and facilities , but for now we focus on our KSA and UAE initiatives . When we look further afield in the region to Iraq , Kuwait , Jordan etc , there are some exciting opportunities , but they aren ’ t for us at the moment .
What are the challenges for dmg events in this region ? The major challenge is talent and recruitment . In a ‘ hot ’ region , excuse the pun , we are staffing up to handle all the launches . There is a huge demand for additional talent and often there just isn ’ t enough in the region . I ’ m sure we are not alone in bringing in people from different industries or relocating people for abroad . We fully support local employment regulations such as Saudisation . In Saudi we have been fortunate to find some amazing Saudi talent and we are working closely with the relevant authorities and universities to nurture and develop a pool of future exhibitionists , into what is a new and developing industry and career path .
Tell us about the current pace of the market . Which areas and show portfolios are performing the best for you and where are the challenges ?
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The pace of growth is amazing , pretty much across the board . Looking at the 2019 comparison we all like to use post-Covid , there is no comparison . The Saudi business has gone from five shows to around 30 . The UAE business has more than bounced back and in addition to growing the existing events , for the first time in a few years we are launching into new topics and tenancies . There are of course challenges , despite fantastic teams and topics , the economic woes in Egypt are taking their toll . That said , our recent EGYPES show was once again a blockbuster for Chris Hudson and his Energy team .
What else is on the dmg events agenda this ? What are you prioritising and where do you see promise ? My side of the business is business
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Above : Trade fairs are a major platform for exports
Left : INDEX Saudi
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as usual , being agile , maximising opportunities , seeking partnerships , building relationships and launching . The KAOUN Int ’ l and Koelnmesse partnerships are just the tip of the iceberg and we are discussing many other opportunities as we explore that playbook and our ability to support other complementary global brands ’ entry into the Middle East market . One of the other new and exciting developments falls to Chris and his side of the business . Fresh from the success of delivering the ‘ Blue Zone ’ at COP28 and organising India Energy Week , he is championing a drive into the PCO business , so watch this space . The major trend we are seeing , collaboration for globalisation . Organising shows isn ’ t a cut and paste and with the recognition that simple geo-cloning doesn ’ t work and that shows need adapting , comes the realisation that markets work in different ways and localisation needs local knowledge skills and networks . The sales may be international , but the activation is local . My advice to organisers looking for new markets is exactly that , apply local knowledge , you ’ ll find that may make the locals more accepting too . EW |