November 7, 2021:  Expo CenterSharjah, represented by HE Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of the Center, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Union for International Exhibitions and Conferences, and Board Member of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry “UFI”, participated in the 88th UFI Global Congress which took place in Rotterdam, 3-6 November.

Around 800 member organizations in 88 countries around the world are presently UFI members.
Attended by the UFI’s General Assembly, directors of companies operating in the exhibition sector from around the world, along with elite experts and specialists in this sector, the Congress reviewed the reality of the exhibition sector during the past year, the challenges encountered by it due to the pandemic, and the steps that must be taken for the recovery of this sector.  

Several sessions and workshops were held on the sidelines of the Congress, through which the importance of providing government support programs and packages for the exhibition sector was discussed. The attendees also emphasized the importance of fostering mergers and partnerships between exhibitions organizers at the global level.

Through his participation in the event, Saif Mohammed Al Midfa discussed with a number of international parties ways to advance the exhibition industry to help it play its paramount role in increasing national revenues and contributing to achieving sustainable economic development. 
While stressing the importance of enhancing prospects for cooperation to develop exhibition industry services, Al Midfa highlighted the UAE's prominent position as a global destination for organizing and hosting regional and international events and forums, such as Expo 2020 Dubai, International Government Communication Forum, Sharjah International Book Fair, and Watches & Jewelry Middle East Show.

He also shed light on the leading experience of the Emirate of Sharjah in helping the exhibitions industry rebound once again, thanks to the innovative work mechanisms and international protocols and organizational practices adopted and implemented by the Expo Centre.
'Taking part in the UFI Global Congress aims to strengthen cooperation and coordination to promote the capabilities and potentials of the exhibition sector in the UAE,' said Al Midfa, affirming that the UAE has strongly begun a new stage in the exhibitions industry as part of the recovery being witnessed by the local economy.

He lauded the visions and plans of the UAE wise leadership for the post-Covid-19 era within the projects of the 50, which contributed to achieving a paradigm shift in the exhibition industry.     
“2020 saw industry revenues collapse by 70% and more, with businesses around the world brought to a standstill by the pandemic. Hence the importance of working together through this event to come up with initiatives that help restore the role of the exhibitions industry in promoting various economic sectors,' added Al Midfa.

The discussions also reviewed the association’s initiatives to support UFI’s members, such as promoting, representing, and supporting their commercial interests at the global level.
Las Vegas, USA, was announced as a destination for the 2023 UFI Global Congress. The 2022 Congress will take place in Muscat, Oman.