The statistics speak for themselves, and the event in 2008 set new records: 2,200 companies exhibited; firms from 65 countries represented; 28 individual country pavilions; and visitors from over 100 countries attended. This before we come to the business deals concluded. Moreover, as Simon Page, the Director of the Life Science Division at IIR Middle EastIIR Middle East explains, Arab Health isn't restricted to quantifying what is achieved for companies. Qualifying what can be accomplished is equally important.

"Of course there are major deals closed through the event. After all Arab Health is all about bringing healthcare professionals together whether from manufacturing, distribution or end users, but it's also about having a presence there," he said. "The value of exhibiting at the event cannot be emphasised enough because what we've found from many of our participants feedback is that for those that don't close deals during Arab Health, six months down the line they're receiving phone calls from parties who are ready to do business," he added. "It's about having that presence at Arab Health that expresses your commitment to doing business."

If Arab Health 2008 set new records, the event in January 2009 will be about maintaining the standards already set. Once again, the event will be a sell out, and the only major problem is finding more space to cater to the ever increasing demand from companies looking to exhibit.

"The event has hit capacity at the venue, this is true," said Dave Armstrong, Exhibition Manager, IIR Middle EastIIR Middle East. "We actually have a waiting list of around two hundred companies on stand by looking to come on board if there are any cancellations," he added.

Healthcare experts and industry leaders have said the substantial growth in the sector in the Middle East has run hand in hand with the growing success of Arab Health. It's now used as a barometer for the advances being made in healthcare across the region.

Moreover, the Ministry of Health in the UAE continue to offer their full backing to the event.

His Excellency Mr. Humaid Al Qutami, the UAE Minister of Health has given it his personal endorsement. "[It's] the greatest science gathering in the Middle East and the Arab world. Arab Health is a world class medical and healthcare event where the latest medical technologies are revealed and healthcare achievements are addressed," he said. "I am confident that all the expertise brought to Arab Health by the health industry and the scientists will benefit the development of the medical sector and health knowledge, which will eventually serve the entire world's population,' he added.

The Middle East has become an important business for international healthcare companies. Manufacturers and distributors today actively seek local and regional partners to grab a share of the estimated $74 billion annual market. As the economic slowdown continues to affect established parts of the world the GCC has remained unaffected. The healthcare sector is growing at an unprecedented 16% each year.

The sector, analysts suggest, is emerging as one of the fastest growing and most attractive markets for the world's hospital equipment and services companies, with expenditure on healthcare in the region predicted to continue rising for several years to come. The healthcare spending alone in the GCC countries is forecast to reach $60 billion annually by 2025, a fivefold increase over current spending. This indicates clearly the continuous demand for the foreseeable future and is triggering the phenomenal response from the international manufacturing and service industry.

And, Arab Health is at the centre of all of this, and will continue to be.

"Arab Health is a prominent reflection of the growing importance of the healthcare industry in this region," said Page. "For practitioners, it is an ideal platform to become acquainted with the latest technologies and scientific advances; for companies, it is an opportunity to listen to the needs of the customers in the region,' he added.

The 2009 edition of Arab Health is due from 26 - 29 January at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre in the UAE.

-Ends-

For further information please contact:
Peter Donnelly
Science Correspondent
Life Science Division
IIR Middle East
T: +971 4 407 2743
M: +971 50 429 7105
peter.donnelly@iirme.com

© Press Release 2008 from IIR Middle East

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