Two UAE companies, and one from England, have joined a big international line-up of exhibitors looking to the Middle East's top hotel supplies showcase to capitalise on the rapid expansion of the region's hospitality industry.

Abu Dhabi-based Metallic Equipment will launch a cost-saving new advanced version of the Hotel Lock Cards System at The Hotel Show, organised by Streamline Marketing and taking place at Airport Expo Dubai from April 8 to 10.

The company, which also specialises in security locks, building materials, hand rails, and hotel cleaning equipment, represents a number of leading manufacturers, and will be looking to build on the new business gains it achieved when the exhibition made its debut last year.

"We had a big response from hotels in the Gulf at last year's show, and estimate the exhibition generated sales worth Dh200,000," says director Samaer Kahale. "We plan to generate at least 15 per cent more business in the UAE in 2001."

Cormar Carpets (Greenwood & Coope), the Lancashire-based manufacturer of tufted carpets, will be using show to develop more inroads into the Middle East. Managing director David Judge says: "We have successfully completed several large contracts over the last four years, and business in the region is growing."

Another UAE company, Ajman-based Gibca Furniture Industries, will launch a new Hufcor operable partition system at the exhibition. The company, which also manufactures false ceilings, cubicles, lockers, kitchen cabinets, and shower enclosures, represents a number of overseas manufacturers, including Daiken and Kotobuki of Japan, Artwegger of Austria, and Trespa of Holland.

Running alongside the exhibition, and organised by Hotel Intelligence Middle East, will be a conference focusing on the challenge and opportunities facing the Middle East hotel industry in the wake of rapid regional expansion, and the growth of business and leisure tourism.