FEA opens gateway to GulfHost’s multi-billion dollar MENA market

Support package helps British companies participate in the exhibition’s UK Pavilion

GulfHost is one of the world’s most important foodservice equipment exhibitions, giving access to the massive and rapidly growing Middle East and North Africa (MENA) markets – and FEA has put together a package to help UK equipment suppliers take part.

The exhibition takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), in the United Arab Emirates, from Tuesday 5th to Thursday 7th November 2024.  FEA is once again organising the show’s UK Pavilion, which gives British companies the opportunity to showcase their products and services to the MENA market.

And what a market!  The Middle East has allocated $45 billion for tourism and travel growth by 2030, with some 56,000 hotel rooms already under development.  The UAE and Saudi Arabia foodservice sectors alone are expected to be worth over $87 billion per year by 2029.  The MENA out of home dining market is projected to grow to nearly $82 billion by 2028.

With such mind-blowing figures, it’s no surprise that the exhibition attracts so much attention, with 350+ exhibitors expected at the 2024 edition.  The show attracts visitors, too – some 40,000 will attend this November.   Previous GulfHosts have generated a 74% increase in business for exhibitors, 71% of whom said the event was the ideal gateway to the MENA market.

The FEA package makes it simple for UK equipment manufacturers and suppliers to exhibit.  The package includes:

  • A company stand, designed and constructed by a professional contractor appointed by FEA. It will be part of the attractive UK Pavilion group stand
  • All pre-show administration
  • Pre-show exhibitor communication, to maximise the impact of each company’s participation
  • Technical back-up
  • FEA personnel on site, providing support and advice

Exhibitors are responsible for dressing and staffing their company stand, each of which includes a lockable counter, carpeting, name board, stand lighting, one socket (for charging laptops, mobiles, etc.), one table and four chairs.  Any additional requirements for furniture or power can be ordered from the stand construction company closer to the exhibition time.

The cost for the FEA package is £697 per square metre, excluding additional costs, for example for DWTC’s compulsory requirements, such as insurance (£130) and a marketing power pack (£380).

The FEA GulfHost package is open to any UK foodservice equipment company.  FEA members get a £250 discount from the package price.

FEA’s event manager, Jocelyn Shawyer, is organising the UK Pavilion.  She says, “We’d encourage all UK foodservice equipment companies who are interested in exporting to MENA to exhibit.  It’s just a brilliant show – and it’s specifically focused on catering equipment.  FEA will be there to assist exhibitors right from the start, with advice on areas such as accommodation and travel.  At the exhibition we’ll be on hand to help with their participation and to handle general trade enquiries.”

For information and to book space, contact Jocelyn by email, jocelyn.shawyer@fea.org.uk, or call 0207 793 3029.  The deadline for booking is Thursday 28th March.

The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) is the independent, authoritative voice of the foodservice equipment industry, representing nearly 200 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment – from utensils to full kitchen schemes.  For more information on FEA visit www.fea.org.uk

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