The annual Gulf Industry Fair (GIF) built on its success with exhibitors reporting either leads or orders and greater access to the Bahrain and Saudi markets as the ninth edition concluded last month (February 9 to 11) in Bahrain.

Billed as the regional industrial showcase for the Northern Gulf, GIF 2016 was held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC), and featured more than 80 exhibitors representing the aluminium, industrial processes and manufacturing, metals, energy and environmental protection, ports and maritime, training and safety sectors.

Organised by Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE) under the patronage of HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister of Bahrain, the three-day fair attracted 3,325 professional visitors, including senior executives and decision makers.

The Premier said specialised events such as the Gulf Industry Fair provide a platform to share expertise and reach deals among businessmen and investors, and open up wider horizons for developing trade and agreeing on joint ventures, which benefits the national economy and enhances its development and growth. Touring the fair, Prince Khalifa said the products exhibited in the field of advanced industrial technology reflected Bahrain’s distinguished status as a favourable destination for conferences and exhibitions.

He called on investors in the industrial field to focus on modern technology-based industries that could boost the kingdom’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Visitors at the fair.

HCE managing director Jubran Abdulrahman underlined the importance of the timing of the fair amidst the fall in oil prices which, he said, highlighted the importance of economic and industrial diversity.

“The feedback from participants was very positive with most of them wanting to return next year,” he said.

He also said that interviews and information about participating companies at GIF’s Virtual Exhibition – available at www.gulfindustryfair.com – prolonged exhibitor exposure in the online community long after the three-day show has concluded. 

GIF was endorsed by some of Bahrain’s leading industrial organisations, including the National Oil and Gas Authority (Noga) in association with Bapco and Alba, the sponsors of the energy and aluminium sectors. Majaal, Bahrain’s SME-focused developer and operator of industrial facilities, was also a supporter of industrial facilities for industrial diversity.

One of the highlights at the event was a forum focusing on industrial innovation, held under the patronage of Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Zayed Al Zayani.

Another highlight was the Industry Careers Day, designed to promote Bahrain’s world-class industrial capabilities to young stakeholders, while highlighting the sector as a viable and rewarding career option for graduates and job seekers. The event featured a seminar organised by Tamkeen, on ways job-seekers can market themselves to industrial companies.