gulfBID 2008, the leading building and interiors exhibition for the northern Gulf region which took place last month (May 6 to 8) in Bahrain, has been declared a resounding success and the best-ever in its three-year history.

A number of exhibitors also clinched mega deals during the three-day international show, which attracted 4,647 visitors from across the Gulf. Alomi Real Wood Flooring stole the show in deals, announcing contracts worth $1 million each on the first and second days of the exhibition, which remains Bahrain’s foremost construction and contemporary interiors event.
“No other show so successfully connects specifiers with exhibitors. The environment is perfect for unveiling new products, raising brand awareness and showcasing the greatest products and designs from around the world,” said Albert Douglas, CEO of Alomi.
Following on the $1 million deal struck with Bahrain Financial Harbour on the first day of the show, Douglas received orders to supply Dammam-based Al Mahmoud Contracting $750,000 worth of Speed e Dek wooden flooring for a hotel. The delivery would start in the first week of July directly from the UK, he said, adding that he has received a further order from Al Khobar-based Al Hassan Contracting to supply $250,000 worth of laminated flooring for an office block.
“This clearly illustrates how the exhibition is helping companies to target Saudi Arabia from Bahrain,” he added.
Dubai-based Megastar, part of the Darvesh Group, made two deals at the show totally worth $100,000. The first deal was to supply Beech wood and the second to deliver melamine MDF (medium-density fibreboard), said K K Rajesh, export manager of the company.
The UK-based Arqadia, a company specialising in picture frames, won a $20,000 order at the show. “The show has grown in size, the floor is well laid out and we are getting numerous inquiries, especially from Saudi Arabia,” said Mark Winter, international sales manager of Arqadia, which was returning to gulfBID for the second time.
Cyprus-based Durolight, a leading provider of thermal insulation materials in Europe, said it was close to reaching an agreement to set up a joint venture in Bahrain. The proposed factory would produce thermal insulation materials conforming to European standards, said Karsten Ehlert, chemical engineering and production manager of Durolight.
Abu Dhabi-based Le Salon Group, a manufacturer of high-end classic furniture, said it would soon open a showroom in Bahrain, in partnership with Almoayed Contracting. Le Salon had also  received an order from leading designer Perla Lichi to furnish its showroom in the US, a spokesperson said.
Bahrain would also have a new showroom for architectural ironmongery, with Saudi-based Mugbil M Al Dossary Establishment opening a branch in Bahrain shortly, according to managing director Ahmed S Al Dossary. “The market is huge here as we have observed during our three participations in gulfBID,” he said.
And Xilon, based in Greece, is teaming up with Al Ansari Lights to open a furniture showroom in Bahrain. “We will bring in furniture of European standards. We want to make Bahrain our headquarters for the region as we think it is a very stable market from where we can expand,” says Xilon managing director Apostolos Lakovakis. “This is our first time at gulfBID. The show is interesting and we saw quality visitors.”  
 A total of 200 companies from 19 countries exhibited at the show, with almost all the exhibitors pledging their support for gulfBID and eager to attend next year’s event. The show was staged at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIEC) under the patronage of Bahrain’s Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
gulfBID 2008 is a joint venture between dmg world media Dubai, organiser of the Big 5 and Index shows in Dubai, and Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE), a division of the Bahrain-based Al Hilal Group. The show has widened its portfolio to include the full spectrum of quality interiors and furniture and hence covered two halls.
Jubran Abdul Rahman, managing director of HCE said, “We are delighted that the feedback from gulfBID has been so positive and we will endeavour to do even better next year, making sure both our exhibitors and visitors alike are wholly satisfied with the show.  It is gratifying to see just how much business participating companies have generated from this show, and as a result of this successful event, we intend to increase extra floor space by as much as 25 per cent next year due to popular demand.  In addition, we expect the number of visitors in 2009 to go up by 20 to 25 per cent, which is entirely achievable.  There is so much to look forward to in the years ahead, as gulfBID has already established itself as the premier building and interiors exhibition for the northern Gulf region. The show has grown to reflect the booming construction market throughout the GCC and we expect this growth to continue in the future.”
Bernard Walsh, managing director dmg world media Dubai, said: “We hope gulfBID will continue to play its part in ensuring that business and trading opportunities available in this market are presented in the best possible way.  Exciting times are ahead and we are confident the show will continue to attract plenty of interest in the coming years and be even more stimulating and beneficial.”
A number of exhibitors were happy with the response they received at the show. Adel M Bucheeri, executive director of Awal Plastics, was very pleased with the level of interest in the company from people unaware of its total capabilities. “Even though this is the first time we participated in gulfBID, I am happy that we created awareness about Awal Plastics and the range of things we can do in Bahrain.  As a visual communications company, we evaluate what the client wants to project and help them create the perfect corporate identity for them,” says Bucheeri.
Bahrain-based Al Yusuf Glass and Mirrors Company has seen an increase in business opportunities, with the company making several contacts and signing up many new projects in the process.
Bramco Group senior marketing and sales manager Probir Rakshit was pleased with the way the show was organised, saying the group – one of the largest and well-known mining, quarrying and marble supply companies in the region boasting an integrated international network – has received some serious enquiries from existing and potential customers alike.
Al Mahroos, a well-diversified company supplying a range of construction equipment, had the biggest stand for the second year in a row. Tawfiq Hojair, GCC sales manager commented: “We intend to have a major presence next year, as we always do really well at the show. This year’s event had a lot more international companies participating, which was great.”
Also echoing Hojair’s views was Muneer Rushdy, sales and marketing manager of Shaheen Group, which has multidivisions and multi-products, including air-conditioning and ventilation, gypsum and GRC, as well as security, fire and safety.
“This year we have done better than last and have attracted a good amount of interest from Saudi and Bahrain, including Libya.  We’re definitely participating next year, as it sure is worth our while!” said Rushdy.
Florida-based Perla Lichi, interior designer – residential specialist of Perla Lichi Design Dubai, said, “As a worldwide interior designer with more than 25 years of experience under my belt, specialising in high-end VIP villas, and boutique hotels, it was wonderful taking part in this show, as the Middle East is my forte and favourite region for business in the world.  We like to stand out from the rest, with all our designs and projects being works of art!”
Next year’s event will take place at the BIEC from May 26 to 28.