Middle East Exclusive Ends on High Note

Over 600 elite brands - global and regional - took part in the three-day Middle East Exclusive show at Dubai World Trade Centre, which attracted close to 2,000.

Exhibitors reported brisk trade, especially with the region's duty-free outlets and high-end retail stores. New York-based Kenneth Cole watches - one the five best-selling brands at duty-free shops worldwide - now ranks the Middle East as one of its star markets. "We've been in Dubai Duty Free 18 months and have just had our best ever sales period," said company president Brian Venables. "Middle East Exclusive is a prime event for us and this year's show has been really great in terms of the contacts we have made and the potential new business generated."

One of India's top manufacturing jewelers, Gitanjali, also told of excellent response. The company has been in the diamond business for 60 years and already supplies duty-free outlets and jewelry stores in the UAE. "This is our first time on the show and it has proved very worthwhile," said Middle East business development manager Chirayu Yardi. "Our products are already prominent in the retail sector and now we have been able to present ourselves as the manufacturer behind them."

Alex Chaves, director of jewelry company Equss from Australia signed three new retail deals during the show, with TunisAir, Hamila Duty Free, and Abu Dhabi Duty Free. "It really is important to be seen by the region's key retailers and we will continue to be involved in the show," he said.

Middle East Exclusive 2007 will take place from 4 - 6 December 2007 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.