Expo sees 20% rise in visitors on opening day

The 2009 edition of ArabHealth witnessed a 20-per cent rise in number of visitors on the opening day.

Going by the encouraging response, the number this year will surpass the last year's figure of 50,000 visitors as about 2,300 exhibitors and more than 5,000 delegates are taking part in the four-day global healthcare trade exhibition, according to the organisers.

"On the first day, we also received rebooking orders from 15-per cent of the exhibitors for the next year event. These figures are further indications of the region's growth potential.

"Moreover, more than 200 companies were unable to book space in advance this time and have confirmed their participation in the next year event. The government has also announced higher budget allocation to support the healthcare industry," said Simon Page, director, Life Sciences division at IIR Middle East, the organisers of the event.

"The resounding success of ArabHealth underlines the increasing importance of Dubai as a healthcare and medical research hub.

"One of the prime objectives of Dubai Strategic Plan-2015 outlined by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is to establish healthcare infrastructure to support the emirate," said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre, which manages the exhibition and the convention centre.

Maquet Middle East, a global supplier of operating room and intensive care unit system, has doubled the size of its stand.

"We feel the sector will grow and is not suffering from the impact of economic crisis," said Salah Malek, MD of Maquet Middle East.

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