Dubai, UAE: A brand-new trade exhibition – Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East – debuts live and in-person tomorrow (December 14) at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) with a strong international exhibitor contingent looking for breakthroughs into a UAE dining and giving market predicted by Euromonitor International to top a retail revenue value of US$14 billion by 2024.
Running at DWTC until December 16, the new show, part of Messe Frankfurt’s highly successful Ambiente portfolio, has won international exhibitor support with a strong focus on products made from sustainable and ethical resources.
“It’s thrilling to be able to introduce a new event to Dubai’s growing trade show calendar,” explained Syed Ali Akbar, show director for Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East and Paperworld Middle East.
“Exciting perspectives are opening up again for exhibitors and trade visitors in the dining, giving and living areas with high-caliber contacts in person, the latest market developments in design, trends and opportunities across all segments.
“There’s a strong culture of corporate gifting in the UAE and the greater MENA region which is especially prevalent in the booming meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) markets. As the demand and supply for these events increases, we will also see an uptick in demand for products that fit into the corporate gifts category.
Added Akbar: “And with a projected compound annual growth rate of 4.16% until 2024 the market is demonstrating a significant appetite from companies in event management, hospitality, F&B, interior design and architecture.”
Meanwhile, the co-located Paperworld Middle East - the region’s largest international trade exhibition for stationary, paper, gifts, and office supplies with more than 150 exhibitors from 37 countries - will shed light on eco-friendly products and production via its Project Sustainability initiative that highlights environmentally focused supplies.
The annual three-day event will also shine the spotlight on children’s games, toys, and babies items at the Playworld Village, where Polish exhibitors in particular have rallied to the sustainability call.
The country’s Tiny Star will unveil its ‘Mist’ and ‘Grain’ baby care collections all in non-gender specific neutral colors. The collection is made from natural fabrics, including cotton and bamboo viscose, with calm patterns and subdued colors designed to invoke a quality, peaceful and safe sleep by providing thermal comfort.
Tiny Star, which specializes in sustainable production, says today’s parents are looking for natural baby care solutions. “Accordingly, we select natural raw materials and most of our products are packed in ecological cardboard boxes or reusable sachets with a zipper closure,” said Paulina Rodzik, Tiny Star’s Director.
“We limit the consumption of foil and sew larger quantities of products to a specific order - this way we avoid overproduction. We run our business consciously, responsibly, with care for the environment.”
Fellow Polish exhibitor Pink No More is also unveiling sustainable baby care collections of muslin swaddles, nappies, and pillows as well as blankets made of natural yarns - cotton, bamboo, and merino wool all of which, it believes, will meet growing Middle Eastern demand for natural products.
“Our products are unique because we design them from start to finish,” said Pink No More’s Dorota Karas. “All patterns are designed by us. The fabrics and weaves of the blankets are made to order for our company - we do not use ready-made solutions. All production is done locally, respecting the environment, and reducing carbon footprint as much as possible. We only use certified raw materials, because we care most about the safety of our youngest customers.
Karas added the company always intends to show customers how important it is to know where Pink No More’s yarn comes from, how it is obtained and prepared for use: “this is important both for our health and the environment. We are delighted that consumer awareness is growing, and that responsible production is taking the lead when choosing a product. There is still a lot of work to be done, but we believe it makes sense.”
And Poland’s Sleepee will roll out its new light wear collection of children’s sleeping bags, swaddle wraps and blankets designed for enhanced baby sleep. “They are all made of the highest quality materials and already loved in Europe. We will show some of new muslin products that simply stand out with their soft touch and really amazing quality certified to international standards,” explained Export Sales Manager Ewa Sadowniczyk.
More information is available at: www.giftslifestyleme.com