20 February 2018 www.bahrainthismonth.com happenings February 6-8 | Gulf Industry Fair 2018 | Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre Major Expo Returns! The GCC’s annual industrial event, Gulf Industry Fair (GIF) will be held from February 6 to 8, at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister of Bahrain. Organised by Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions (HCE), the 2018 edition of GIF will focus on industrial development and innovation. It carries the strategic support of Aluminum Bahrain (Alba), Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco), the National Oil and Gas Authority (Noga) and Bahrain Industrial Wharf. The industrial facilities sector is championed by Majaal. “Despite a regional economic slowdown caused by low oil prices in 2017, ongoing investment in the GCC’s industrial infrastructure remains strong,” says HCE managing director Jubran Abdulrahman. “Notably, the announcement of Saudi Arabia’s long-term 2030 Vision blueprint is likely to be a key driver of the Gulf’s industrial ambitions in the coming years, as the region’s biggest economy accelerates diversification efforts.” GIF has established itself as the exclusively dedicated industrial products and services expo for the Northern Gulf and Saudi Arabia. The exhibition is an annual celebration of the industrial drivers of growth in the GCC’s economies. It promotes the key business segments of Aluminum, Industrial Processes and Manufacturing; Industrial Metals (Steel & Alloys); Energy & Environmental Protection; Industrial Facilities; Ports & Maritime Industries; Training for Industry; and Fire, Safety & Security. Innovative products showcased at GIF include tooling, solar energy, smart technology, robotics, floating facilities, aluminium wheels, lighting pole valves, specialised industrial paints and coatings and compressors. This year’s edition will also host the first Solar Utilities Network (SUN), which will be inaugurated by Abdulhussain Mirza, the Minister of Electricity and Water (EWA). “Industrial development will require energy to fuel this growth,” says HCE exhibition director Ahmed Suleiman. “Today, energy requirements are not just about cost-effective power generation but also environmental concerns with renewable and greener energy. Solar power in the Gulf is becoming a viable option economically, which offers tremendous opportunities for businesses in technology supply and reskilling of the work force.” The expo offers exhibiting companies direct access to a dynamic multibillion-dollar industrial marketplace and the opportunity to showcase their products and services to a targeted B2B audience consisting of procurement managers, industrialists, purchasers, consultants and decision-makers from the region and internationally. “The SUN event is an important element for GIF in creating an exchange of knowledge on solar and renewable technology,” adds Ahmed. “The forum will focus on the challenges and opportunities of solar, including PV storage, solar power generation policies of the government, energy storage and workforce skilling.” GIF 2018 will host industry leaders showcasing their products directly or through their distributors in the region, which include Audi Transformers, Al Ahleia Switchgear, METABO, Kohler, Molex, Rockwell Automation, Bahrain Pack and Midal Cables. “We are grateful for the unwavering support of the Prime Minister, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, in helping us establish Gulf Industry Fair as the go-to exhibition for companies operating in the Northern Gulf’s expanding industrial markets,” says Jubran. “We look forward to providing the ultimate networking, knowledge-sharing and deal-making platform for all companies involved in the industrial sectors.” Visit www.gulfindustryfair.com
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