Expo Centre Sharjah Participates in UFI Online Session, Discusses Economic Impact of COVID-19

Sharjah, April 12, 2020:  Expo Centre Sharjah has called to provide all forms of support and assistance to help revive the exhibition industry worldwide.

The centre also called for pooling efforts of those involved in the exhibitions industry to overcome the consequences of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and to provide the necessary expertise and knowledge to support this vital sector in accordance with the best international practices
These remarks were made during the “UFI” online session, which involved the participation of HE Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of the Expo Centre Sharjah and Board Member of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry “UFI”, Roger Martin Fagg, Behavioral Economist, UK, and a number of CEOs operating in the exhibitions and conferences industry.
The virtual session discussed the future of the expo sector in light of the global economic conditions and explored potential developments beyond COVID-19.

Creating Innovative Platforms
During the online discussion, Al Midfa emphasized the need for a collective work to promote economic and investment opportunities worldwide by scaling up the competitiveness, performance, and the sustainable growth of the exhibition industry and providing top-notch services.
He also called for developing digital and innovative platforms, through which economic sectors can showcase their products and services, as well as to share information and expertise in line with the global changes.

Backing Development Plans
Al Midfa underlined the importance of taking serious steps and launching qualitative initiatives that help the exhibition industry recover from the current circumstances, adding that this sector plays a vital role in supporting development plans, promoting future programs, and enhancing economic cooperation between different countries of the world.

Exhibitions industry also plays an important role in the economic life of countries, becoming a reliable source of national income and a significant contributor to the economic and social development, he added.

Also during the virtual meeting, Al Midfa referred to the stimulus package launched by the UAE’s wise leadership, something which highlights the effectiveness of country’s adopted to deal with all circumstances and safeguard its economic system, including the exhibitions and conferences industry.

“The Sharjah government has recently approved a stimulus package to support the government and private institutions, business sectors and individuals, including the Expo Centre. This would help enhance the confidence of the business community and local and international companies in this industry,” he concluded.
- End-