Sharjah 24: The Expo Centre Sharjah has discussed ways to strengthen collaboration in the business events and conferences sector, as well as avenues for developing joint international strategies, with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

The two sides also discussed the future of the exhibition industry and ways to implement innovative approaches to improve competitiveness and benefit the business community. They also explored opportunities to utilise their capabilities and expertise to organise joint initiatives and serve the business community.

The discussions were held during a coordination meeting held at the Expo Centre between His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, and Her Excellency Anju Gomes, Regional Director of Middle East, ICCA.

During the meeting, Al Midfa and Gomes agreed on the necessity of enhancing business tourism through the exhibition and conference sector and explored ways to broaden their joint work to improve the exhibition and conference industry.

Al Midfa emphasised that the coordination meeting comes in line with the centre’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with local, regional, and international organisations specialising in the exhibition and conference industry.

"We look forward to collaborating with stakeholders to upgrade the industry and utilise its potential to support economic sectors, particularly business tourism, which plays a significant role in developing trade between countries, supporting the local economy, and promoting the country’s products and industry."

He also emphasised that the UAE is a world leader in business tourism, as evidenced by the country's recorded growth rate of more than 20% in 2022 compared to rates in 2019.

For her part, Gomes stressed that the ICCA is willing to bolster its cooperation and joint work with the Expo Centre Sharjah to promote business tourism and benefit from its potential in the field of exhibitions and conferences.

She also expressed admiration for the outstanding experience and remarkable development of the UAE and the Sharjah Expo Center in the exhibition industry.

During the meeting, the Expo Centre Sharjah reviewed its future development projects and the schedule of events and exhibitions it will organise and host in 2023.