(1888PressRelease)
December 01, 2008 - Muscat: Union Foires International (UFI) is a prestigious global exhibitions authority based in Paris that aims to represent and serve the world’s exhibition industry. UFI sets standards by promoting and regulating the unique value of trade fairs; educating exhibition industry professionals; offering extensive networking opportunities and enabling members to enhance business growth.
Already having served as the first Vice Chairman of the UFI - Middle East/Africa Chapter, Baabood is confident of renewing his commitment of taking the exhibitions industry in the Middle East and Africa to a much higher level.
Unanimously re-elected by fellow chapter members, Baabood took on the responsibility at the recently held 75th UFI congress from 12 - 15 November in Istanbul, Turkey. Seen in the picture is Mr. Ahmed Saleh Baabood along with H.E. Ahmad Humaid Al Mazrouie, Managing Director, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company and Mr. Ibrahim Al Khaldi, UFI Middle East/Africa Regional Manager, addressing the gathering at the 75th UFI congress on strategies and developments of the exhibitions industry in the MENA region. Ahmed’s role would facilitate the growth of exhibitions in the MENA region to attain global stature, success and meet international standards.
The UFI Congress is the most important annual event of the exhibition industry and the 75th congress provided timely insight and information on ‘Winning Business Models’. Leaders gather to brainstorm on the state of the industry, the challenges and opportunities of the future. More than 355 delegates from 58 countries across 6 continents participated at the 75th UFI Congress. Strategic issues such as the effect of the global economic crisis on the exhibition industry, sustainable development within the exhibition industry, customer collaboration and loyalty as a basis of future success were discussed among others.
“I am honoured to have received the continued confidence and trust of my UFI colleagues to serve as the First Vice Chairman for the UFI-Middle East/Africa Chapter. This poses a much greater challenge to enhance quality, set world standards and add more value to the industry, which is instrumental in building various sectors through quality events and exhibitions,” Baabood said.
With Baabood taking the lead role, OITE and IE are set to work further on the development of exhibition standards, embarking on a stronger mission of becoming a market leader in delivering dynamic trade fairs, conferences, festivals and sports events that address the requirements of the business sector not only in Oman but across the Gulf-wide region.
OITE is Oman’s first and only UFI member. The company’s flagship events; COMEX – IT Telecom Exhibition in its 20th year and GHEDEX – International Higher Education Exhibition in its 10th year are UFI approved events.
“I strongly believe that the exhibitions/events industry have more to offer as it plays a key role in strengthening the image and services of various sectors. With the support, guidance and standards of UFI, there’s no doubt, the events sector will soar and continue to provide an excellent platform which enhances the growth and development of various sectors” Baabood added.
Baabood is an Omani national and is currently the Executive Chairman of OITE, a leading organizer of international exhibitions and conferences and Intevents (IE), a premier sports events management company in the country. OITE and IE are the largest events company, having combined resources and services to address the growing demands of the business sector and the growing regional market.
Mr. Sadiq Ahmed Khan, Director for Sales and Marketing of OITE /IE commented, “His continued role will definitely strengthen the growth and development of the events sector in the region and we are happy that these are being led from Oman by an Omani national. OITE/IE are delighted with his renewed appointment and we strongly support his plans and endeavors, which are being realised. UFI and its global members work on world standards and it is important that through his role and our UFI commitment we work harder towards producing events which reflect best practices and are of highest standards.”
For more information on OITE/IE log on to http://www.oite.com/ www.intevents.com
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