About 100 exhibitors are expected to take part in the first Hardware, Tools & Houseware Exhibition to be held in Dubai, UAE, this month.

The exhibition, the first such show to be organised in the Middle East, will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from February 6-9.

The event is expected to draw up to 10,000 visitors from all building, construction and maintenance-related trades. Retailers, distributors, agents and wholesalers of hardware, tools and houseware and the professional users of such products are also expected to attend the exhibition.

"Groups from all over the world have confirmed participation in the exhibition," says Geoff Dickinson, joint managing director at Dubai-based EPOC (Exhibitions Promotions Organising & Conferences) International, organiser of the event.

American manufacturers of hardware, tools and houseware goods are set to make their first major export push into the Middle East with a 20-strong delegation to take part in the show.

The team will be part of a dedicated US pavilion being mounted at the show. The pavilion is being co-ordinated by the American Hardware Manufacturers' Association (AHMA). "In 2000 we will exhibit in nine overseas exhibitions in a bid to assist our members into the global marketplace," said John W Hasemann, manager, International Programs, AHMA.

"Dubai and the Hardware, Tools and Houseware show are viewed as the best means of entering the Middle East where our members are looking for new customers and joint venture opportunities," he added.

AHMA is one of America's most powerful trade service organisations with over 1,000 members. "Our mission is to be the world's leading resource on the US manufacturing segment of the worldwide consumer hardware/home improvement marketplace," said Hasemann.

The German Hardware Association, with more than 20 exhibitors, and the British Hardware and Housewares Manufacturers Association have also confirmed their participation at the event with pavilions.

Other international groups that have booked space include Italy, Spain, India, Taiwan, South Africa, Egypt, Holland, Turkey, France and Korea.

"This level of official backing is unparalleled for a new-to-market show," said Dickinson. "The response suggests global producers have been waiting for some time for a specific marketing event dedicated to their very specialised sector," added Dickinson.

The event is being staged with the backing of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

EPOC International has over 20 years experience of organising major exhibitions in Europe and the Middle East and an extensive global sales agency network.

Other shows to be organised by the company include Materials Handling and Distribution (2001), in Dubai, and the International Health Products & Services Exhibition, which will be held in Istanbul from May 11-14, 2000, and is jointly organised by intertaks (International Trade Exhibitions).