‘Aquariya Expo 2009’ opens today
Event showcases USD 5 million worth of unique ornamental fish species from across the globe
‘Aquariya Expo 2009’, the premier ornamental aquatic exhibition and the largest consumer event for the marine aquarium industry in the Middle East, was opened today (March 04, 2009) by Obaid Mohammad Jumaa Al Matroushi, Assistant Undersecretary for Fisheries Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Water, UAE. The event, which will run until March 06, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dubai, is showcasing USD 5 million worth of ornamental fish species from leading exporters from the region and across the globe. Attracting a large delegation of aquarium enthusiasts and global customers, the event will serve as a powerful platform for regional and international companies to showcase their products, equipment and services, and developments in technology.
According to Orange Fairs & Events, the event organiser, a total of 60 exhibitors from Brazil, China, France, India, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Slovakia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, UAE, USA and Poland, are set to conduct retail and trade activities and promotion within the show. Among the UAE-based companies showcasing their products are Aquarium Lives, Living Colors, National House Trading Est., Saint Vincent Group, Reef of Fish, and World of Fishes. In addition, relevant government bodies, including the Marine Export Promotion and Development Authority (MEPDA) from India and the Department of Fisheries from Malaysia, are also participating at the exhibition and have sent their representatives to the event.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Obaid Mohammad Jumaa Al Matroushi said, “‘Aquariya Expo 2009’ is considered as the largest ornamental aquatic exhibition in the Middle East, and this highlights the leading position of Dubai in the region as well as the focus of the UAE Government towards enriching non-energy industries. The exhibition is set to support most of the local sectors and especially tourism and communicate the various benefits of the showcased products. I am delighted to see that it has generated considerable participation from domestic players as well as regional and global companies. Commendation is due to the organiser of ‘Aquariya Expo 2009’ for providing an excellent platform that allows companies to network with high-potential global and regional partners, and learn about the latest developments and industry knowledge, which can help them expand their businesses.”
In addition to a wide array of exotic fish species, ‘Aquariya Expo 2009’ also features reef aquariums, as well as peripheral goods and equipment such as corals, inverts and pet accessories for display and trade from ornamental fish farmers and traders, importers, exporters, distributors and dealers. Other products being featured at the event include ornamental fishes, fish food, aquarium plants, water treatment equipment, aquarium and furniture, aquarium accessories, illuminations, ornaments and backgrounds, aerators, heaters and regulators. Furthermore, participants can learn about the latest technological innovations in aquarium keeping, appraisal on the global market trends, marketing issues and challenges, and policies and legislation, as industry experts discuss new trends and breakthroughs in the market throughout the event’s three-day run.
“The idea behind the conception of ‘Aquariya Expo 2009’ was the great potential of the ornamental aquatic industry in terms of providing excellent opportunities for growth for exporters, importers, manufacturers and dealers. We are pleased that our efforts have been greatly appreciated as shown by the unprecedented support and participation, from both international and local exhibitors, thereby affirming the importance of this kind of an event in fostering the growth of this particular industry in the Middle East. The growing population and the number of unique developments, is fuelling the increase in demand for ornamental fish in the region. We wish all exhibitors and visitors a fruitful participation, and we hope that everyone will be able to leverage this opportunity to talk to high potential customers,” concluded Raees Ahmed, Director, Orange Fairs & Events.
