New center of gravity for the visual arts
In the Middle East, the exhibition
industry continues to grow
In a survey by UFI, the Global Association
of the Exhibition Industry, 80% of
organizations in the region remain
optimistic about the exhibition industry’s
promising future, despite the global
economic downturn in 2008 and the
instability of the Arab spring in 2011.
According to the UFI, since 2006, there
has been a 14% increase in the number of
trade fairs organized and a 21% increase
in available exhibition space.
The UAE now provides the largest indoor
exhibition space, representing 31% of
the regional total. Dubai remains the
regional hub, with the greatest number
of events hosted in one city (104) and
the largest indoor exhibition space:
17% of the regional total. Iran hosts the
largest number of events in one country,
welcoming 219 events in six cities. Iraq
has shown a reasonable comeback,
and Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have also
witnessed good growth. As business
centers, Abu Dhabi and Doha have
increased their exhibition numbers by
230% since 2006.