15th edition of Women's Exhibition set to be the biggest in its history

15th edition of Women's Exhibition set to be the biggest in its history after attracting record numbers of regional and global exhibitors

The event is the leading platform for women's entrepreneurship, empowerment and enlightenment across various industries

Dubai, UAE, October 30th, 2013: As the UAE celebrates 42 years of unity, women will also showcase their unity at the leading women's exhibition from 11 - 14 December at Dubai World Trade Center. This will be the Women's Exhibition's 15th edition, featuring the latest products and services for women, and encompassing diverse industries like fashion designs, beauty, health and the culinary art.

The event is organized by Ms. Thoraya Al Awadhi, owner and founder of Thoraya Al Awadhi Group of Companies, and supported by the UAE Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the UAE Business Women Council. The Exhibition is a platform for women entrepreneurs, start-ups and companies new to the region whose products and services are focused on women.

Through this event, UAE women have been enhancing their roles as business leaders and increasing their participation in society. It is also a golden opportunity for owners of start-ups and SME's to expand their customer base and engage in knowledge exchange. A press conference was held to announce the exhibition at the UAE Business Women Council offices in Dubai. The conference was attended by His Excellency Humaid Mohammad Bin Salem, General Secretary of the UAE Federation of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UAE FCCI); Ms. Thoraya Al Awadhi, owner and founder of Thoraya Al Awadhi Group of Companies; Her Excellency Eng. Fatima Obaid Al Jaber, Chairperson of the UAE Business Women Council, and Chairperson of the Executive Board of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, as well as Board members of the UAE Business Women Council.

Ms. Thoraya Al Awadhi, owner and founder of Thoraya Al Awadhi Group of Companies and the 15th Women's Exhibition organizer, said: “In the four days of the 15th Women's Exhibition, you can gain a wealth of experience by interfacing with women from diverse backgrounds. It's a celebration of women's entrepreneurship, empowerment and creativity. As the leading event for women, by women, we bring together visionary women with big ideas and even bigger ambitions. We are going the extra mile to make this the most successful edition. We have enhanced the quantity, quality and diversity of our exhibition stands to boost start-ups and SME's, by attracting international exhibitors. We ensure that our thought-provoking ideas will be spread worldwide, thereby positioning the UAE as the world's rising star in women's empowerment.”

She added that this year's exhibition will bring more than 100 companies from the UAE, the Arab world, Europe and beyond, and it will bring a collection of lifestyle companies in the areas of spas, wellness, fashion, travel, nutrition and cuisine, home décor, bridal services.

His Excellency Humaid Mohammad Bin Salem, General Secretary of the UAE Federation of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UAE FCCI) commented: “Since our organization's inception in 2001, we have strongly supported women's entrepreneurship due to its central role in the socio-economic development of the UAE. As part of this goal, our federation incorporated the UAE Business Women Council to operate under our umbrella as per resolution 10 in 2001. We then established Business Women councils in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Um Al Quwain, and collectively our concerted efforts have yielded numerous accomplishments. This exhibition is perfectly timed, as it coincides with the UAE's 42nd National Day celebrations as well as the voting for the Expo 2020 bids.”

Elaborating on the achievements so far, he said: “Since 2001 we have given constant support to women entrepreneurs, and now this sector constitutes 10% of the UAE's private sector; 21,000 women have been enrolled, and now women make up 15% of board directors of the companies under our Chambers of Commerce. Vision 2021 aims to raise this even further to 30%. I am proud to say the UAE is the leader in the Middle East in women's empowerment. The exhibition industry in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah is worth almost AED10 billion, and we are also supporting many projects related to Expo 2020, including the “Made in Asia” exhibition in April, among other regional and international projects.”

Her Excellency Eng. Fatima Obaid Al Jaber, Chairperson of the UAE Business Women Council, and Chairperson of the Executive Board of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council pointed out that: “The exhibition industry - particularly women's events - is a great opportunity to promote destinations and attract visitors. Not only entrepreneurs, who represent 20% of UAE tourists, but also exhibition tourists. Many people worldwide want to visit exhibitions in the UAE due to our exceptional facilities. Exhibition tourists differ from other tourists due to the high quality services and facilities that they demand, regardless of the cost and average period of residence. Most UAE exhibition tourists are high caliber tourists who contribute positively to tourism income.”

The 15th Women's Exhibition will be held in a strategic location at an even bigger venue at Dubai World Trade Center, main Concourse (Hall 6), from 11 - 14 December.