Under the auspices of the Dubai Convention Bureau-Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing at the Conference Hall at DTCM Head Office an agreement was signed between  Messe Munchen a specialized authority in designing, constructing and managing trade fairs and conferences in Munich City at Bavaria State in Germany and INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions Organisation Est. Member of INDEX Holding, specialized in organizing and managing conferences and exhibitions in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates and several countries worldwide.

The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Mr. Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director of Dubai Convention Bureau, in addition to Mr. Norbert H. Bargmann, Managing Director, MMI and Dr. Wolf-Dietrich Muller, Senior Executive Officer - MMI and Dr. Martin Lechner, Director MOC representing Messe Munchen; and Mr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, President, INDEX Holding and Eng. Anas Al Madani, Vice President representing INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions Organisation Est. Member of INDEX Holding.

The Agreement specified that both parties will cooperate together to realize various projects related to the joint acquisition and attracting of renowned international congresses to Dubai and Munich; the organising of trade fairs, exhibitions and congresses in Dubai and other countries in the Middle East and the conception, construction and centre management of trade fair and convention centers in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Whereby both parties will provide these services to the authorities and institutions that are aiming to construct trade fair and convention halls in Dubai and the other emirates in the country.

The agreement specifies that the parties will work jointly to win projects that require conception, design, construction, management and organisation of trade fairs, exhibitions and conferences in both countries.

The hosting by DCB-DTCM for this signatory ceremony is an indication for the importance of the Convention and Trade Fair industry. The Convention and Trade Fair sector has a positive effect on the development of trade, commerce, marketing, tourism and economy in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. Furthermore, DCB-DTCM hosting of this ceremony emphasizes the importance of attracting several international trade fairs, exhibitions, conventions and conferences to Dubai, United Arab Emirates and the region.

Mr. Al Ketbi commended this agreement for its important role in strengthening the trade fair and convention sector in Dubai. He added that the Government of Dubai based upon the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai encourages this vital sector to excel in its role.

Mr. Norbert H. Bargmann, Managing Director, MMI emphasized the importance of this agreement for Munich City and Bavaria State. He added that Messe Munchen shall support this agreement through providing its expertise in the trade fair and convention sector to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates and the other countries in the region. Furthermore, Messe Munchen shall work jointly with INDEX on attracting several international trade fairs and conventions to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, to providing MMI expertise in conception, design, construction and management of trade fair and convention centers through INDEX to all prospective clients investing in this vital sector through the construction of new trade fair and convention centers.

Michael Verikios - Monday, September 04, 2006