A TRIO of exhibitions set for May once again puts Bahrain in the spotlight as a top expo hub for the Northern Gulf region and a channel for transmitting technologies and new products both to and from the region.

The trio – gulfBID, gulfInteriors and Gulf Property Show – has been organised by Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE) and promises to provide an insight into the vibrant construction, interiors and property markets of the Gulf at a time when the whole of the region is abuzz with resurgent investment as the memory of the economic recession of recent years fades.

Qatar will be considering more closely plans for projects related to the FIFA World Cup. Both it and Saudi Arabia are investing hugely in infrastructure projects, particularly railways, airports and ports and extensive housing and mixed-use projects. An iconic skyscraper is in the process of being built in Jeddah that will edge Dubai’s Burj Khalifa from its top rank in the list of tallest buildings. EPC contractors with links to businesses across the region would be interested in the offerings at gulfBID and gulfInteriors considering the construction boom is also ongoing in states outside the northern part. 

HCE expects to replicate this year the success it achieved in 2013 in the staging of the three events. “Last year gulfBID received a tremendous amount of positive feedback with many companies returning in 2014 to showcase their top-selling products,” said an HCE spokesman. Bookings from 200 exhibitors were received for the integrated event with most coming from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. An expanse of 9,600 sq m at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Conventions Centre will house the stalls and pavilions, and movement from one exhibition to the other will be convenient. gulfBID, gulfInteriors and Gulf Property Show take place from May 6 through May 8 from 9 am to 9 pm.

The three Gs have captured the imagination of exhibitor and visitor alike, HCE says. “They provide a unique one-stop shop for the construction, real estate and interiors sectors,” said Jubran Abdulrahman, managing director of HCE. He added the floor space allowed visitors to buy property, visualise construction and consider interior décor all at one venue.

gulfInteriors was established three years ago to complement and run alongside the well-established gulfBID. The show has a unique brand identity attracting the cream of interiors, design and furniture providers. gulfInteriors gives an insight into regional demand for homegrown and renowned international brands in a creative yet distinctly boutique atmosphere. 

“Since 2010, gulfInteriors has developed a flavour and character all its own,” said Abdulrahman.

gulfBID, established in 2006, brings in the top names in specialist construction, contracting and related sectors. “We’re certainly thrilled with the tremendous response for gulfBID 2014 which reflects undeniable interest in its ongoing value proposition,” said Abdulrahman. As in the past, a number of companies will be participating in association with Tamkeen, Bahrain’s Labour Fund.

The Gulf Property Show (additional details on next page) has quickly established itself as the only dedicated real estate event in Bahrain. This year it has been expanded by over 60 per cent.

Exhibiting at gulfBID will be Al Kobaisi Group, Gulf Membrane and Coating Industries, Rezayat Protective Coating, Gulf Markets International, Neptune Technical and Trading and Awal Gas, among others.

Taking part in the gulfInteriors show are companies including Hempel, Paints, Berger Paints, Almoayyed Furnishing, Fakhro Properties and City Home Investment Company.

The Gulf Property Show has attracted Bahrain Financial Harbour, Gharnatah Real Estate, Bin Faqeeh Real Estate, Manara Development, Al Arjan, Executive Facility Management and Dadadabhai Development & Properties Management, among others

All three exhibitions enjoy public and private sector support from such organisations as Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Tamkeeen Labour Fund, the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, AHK – The German Chambers of Commerce and Industry, British Expertise and the Bahrain Property Developers Association.