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THE latest editions of gulfBID andgulfInteriors broke records not only in terms of exhibitor participation andvisitors but also in terms of business.
After just two days, the total value ofcontracts signed and unveiled at the shows soared past the $30-million mark anda final figure will be announced shortly.
The shows, which enjoy the patronage of HisRoyal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister ofBahrain, were held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre(BIECC) last week.
Bahrain Prism Glass Factory set a newrecord for business at the exhibitions, anticipating deals worth at least $19million.
The first order for Bahrain Prism Glass wasworth $2.2 million for the supply of 8,000 sq/m of high-end architectural glassto a palace in Abu Dhabi, said general manager T Mani.
“We will start supplying the glass fromJune 1,” Mr Mani said.
Dubai-based Alomi Real Wood Floors alsopaved the way to success by securing a $10-million deal on the opening day.
Among high-profile visitors attending theevent was the Italian Ambassador Enrico Padula who visited iGuzzini’s stand atgulfInteriors.
The ambassador said he was delighted tovisit the stand and to support the collaboration between Italy (iGuzzini) andBahrain (Al Bait), which believes ‘highlighted Italian design and quality atits highest level’.
At gulfInteriors, Bahrain-based BergerPaints displayed its latest offering Royale Play, which will hit the market inJune, according to sales and marketing manager R Raghupathi.
“We are the leading local paintmanufacturer in the kingdom and despite the troubles our business is doinggood,” he said.
Jubran Abdulrahman, the director of HilalConferences and Exhibitions (HCE), the organiser of the events, added: “Thelevels of business have been unprecedented and several of our exhibitors haveexpressed their desire to be here next year.
“gulfBID and gulfInteriors have cementedtheir stature as the leading events of their kind for the Northern Gulf. Theshows have attracted more than 6,400 visitors, a rise of 38 per cent over the2010 editions and a new record for the events.”
l NEXT year’s gulfBID and gulfInteriorsexhibitions will be held from May 7 to 9, 2013 at the Bahrain InternationalExhibition and Convention Centre in Bahrain and early indications are that theshows will go from strength to strength.
