Latest news with #WTCA
Gulf Today
18-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sharjah hosts inaugural 2025 WTCA Middle East Members Conference
The Emirate of Sharjah hosted the inaugural 2025 World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) Middle East Members Conference, organised by Expo Centre Sharjah, bringing together leaders and representatives from the region's growing number of 18 World Trade Center businesses. The Conference aimed to strengthen strategic cooperation, exchange expertise and best practices, and discuss ways to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies to optimize WTCA's operations and elevate its performance. Discussions also focused on empowering WTCA Members to serve as catalysts for business growth, innovation, and cross-border partnerships. Held at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI)'s headquarters, the gathering was attended by Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah and Member of WTCA's Conferences and Exhibitions Advisory Council; and Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), along with several officials from the Sharjah Chamber and Expo Centre Sharjah. The Conference agenda addressed core themes, including strategies to strengthen international trade through collaborative efforts and complementary roles among WTCA Members. Participants highlighted the importance of accelerating digital transformation in the exhibitions sector, establishing a unified platform for data and expertise sharing, and activating networking frameworks among World Trade Centers in the Middle East to enhance competitiveness, attract investments, and foster innovation. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa stated that hosting the inaugural WTCA Middle East Members Conference reflects Sharjah's leading position in the global exhibitions and conferences industry. He noted that Expo Centre Sharjah is committed to enhancing regional and international cooperation to advance the exhibitions sector, optimize its operational efficiency, drive its sustainable development, and reinforce its essential role in supporting various economic sectors. During the conference, Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh presented a comprehensive overview of Sharjah's promising investment opportunities and the competitive advantages it offers to foreign investors. He highlighted the emirate's world-class infrastructure with its specialized free zones and integrated transport systems. He also pointed to Sharjah's pro-investment regulatory framework designed to support business scalability, ensure operational ease, and streamline the establishment of new ventures. Discussions during the Conference underscored the strategic importance of strengthening cooperation among WTCA Middle East Members. Speakers stressed the role of coordinated efforts in promoting international trade and supporting the region's economic development goals. Ahmed Tibaoui, General Manager and CEO of WTC Algiers, noted that regional integration is key to increasing the operational effectiveness of the exhibitions industry and reinforcing its contribution to long-term sustainable growth. For her part, Crystal Edn, WTCA Executive Director, delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining WTCA's global initiatives and strategic programs aimed at supporting World Trade Centers and expanding their contribution to the global economy. Staff Reporter, Gulf Today
Sharjah 24
18-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah hosts inaugural 2025 WTCA Middle East Members Conference
The Conference aimed to strengthen strategic cooperation, exchange expertise and best practices, and discuss ways to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies to optimize WTCA's operations and elevate its performance. Discussions also focused on empowering WTCA Members to serve as catalysts for business growth, innovation, and cross-border partnerships. Held at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI)'s headquarters, the gathering was attended by His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah and Member of WTCA's Conferences and Exhibitions Advisory Council; and H.E Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), along with several officials from the Sharjah Chamber and Expo Centre Sharjah. The Conference agenda addressed core themes, including strategies to strengthen international trade through collaborative efforts and complementary roles among WTCA Members. Participants highlighted the importance of accelerating digital transformation in the exhibitions sector, establishing a unified platform for data and expertise sharing, and activating networking frameworks among World Trade Centers in the Middle East to enhance competitiveness, attract investments, and foster innovation. His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Midfa stated that hosting the inaugural WTCA Middle East Members Conference reflects Sharjah's leading position in the global exhibitions and conferences industry. He noted that Expo Centre Sharjah is committed to enhancing regional and international cooperation to advance the exhibitions sector, optimise its operational efficiency, drive its sustainable development, and reinforce its essential role in supporting various economic sectors. During the conference, H.E Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh presented a comprehensive overview of Sharjah's promising investment opportunities and the competitive advantages it offers to foreign investors. He highlighted the emirate's world-class infrastructure with its specialized free zones and integrated transport systems. He also pointed to Sharjah's pro-investment regulatory framework designed to support business scalability, ensure operational ease, and streamline the establishment of new ventures. Discussions during the Conference underscored the strategic importance of strengthening cooperation among WTCA Middle East Members. Speakers stressed the role of coordinated efforts in promoting international trade and supporting the region's economic development goals. Ahmed Tibaoui, General Manager and CEO of WTC Algiers, noted that regional integration is key to increasing the operational effectiveness of the exhibitions industry and reinforcing its contribution to long-term sustainable growth. For her part, Crystal Edn, WTCA Executive Director, delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining WTCA's global initiatives and strategic programs aimed at supporting World Trade Centers and expanding their contribution to the global economy. Milan Ramjee, WTCA Membership Lead for Africa and the Middle East, highlighted ongoing efforts to empower WTCA regional members through tailored tools and services that streamline international trade and foster sustainable economic growth across both local and regional markets. During the conference, participants reviewed successful case studies highlighting the achievements of regional World Trade Centers, such as Expo Centre Sharjah and the World Trade Centers in Algiers, Cairo, and Riyadh. These presentations provided an opportunity to explore the best practices and scalable models for growth. Attendees discussed effective strategies for enhancing the role of World Trade Centers, with a consensus on the critical role of innovation and digital transformation in driving sustainable progress.
Zawya
18-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sharjah hosts the inaugural 2025 WTCA Middle East Members Conference
Sharjah: The Emirate of Sharjah hosted the inaugural 2025 World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) Middle East Members Conference, organized by Expo Centre Sharjah, bringing together leaders and representatives from the region's growing number of 18 World Trade Center businesses. The Conference aimed to strengthen strategic cooperation, exchange expertise and best practices, and discuss ways to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies to optimize WTCA's operations and elevate its performance. Discussions also focused on empowering WTCA Members to serve as catalysts for business growth, innovation, and cross-border partnerships. Held at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI)'s headquarters, the gathering was attended by H.E Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah and Member of WTCA's Conferences and Exhibitions Advisory Council; and H.E Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), along with several officials from the Sharjah Chamber and Expo Centre Sharjah. The Conference agenda addressed core themes, including strategies to strengthen international trade through collaborative efforts and complementary roles among WTCA Members. Participants highlighted the importance of accelerating digital transformation in the exhibitions sector, establishing a unified platform for data and expertise sharing, and activating networking frameworks among World Trade Centers in the Middle East to enhance competitiveness, attract investments, and foster innovation. H.E Saif Mohammed Al Midfa stated that hosting the inaugural WTCA Middle East Members Conference reflects Sharjah's leading position in the global exhibitions and conferences industry. He noted that Expo Centre Sharjah is committed to enhancing regional and international cooperation to advance the exhibitions sector, optimize its operational efficiency, drive its sustainable development, and reinforce its essential role in supporting various economic sectors. During the conference, H.E Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh presented a comprehensive overview of Sharjah's promising investment opportunities and the competitive advantages it offers to foreign investors. He highlighted the emirate's world-class infrastructure with its specialized free zones and integrated transport systems. He also pointed to Sharjah's pro-investment regulatory framework designed to support business scalability, ensure operational ease, and streamline the establishment of new ventures. Discussions during the Conference underscored the strategic importance of strengthening cooperation among WTCA Middle East Members. Speakers stressed the role of coordinated efforts in promoting international trade and supporting the region's economic development goals. Ahmed Tibaoui, General Manager and CEO of WTC Algiers, noted that regional integration is key to increasing the operational effectiveness of the exhibitions industry and reinforcing its contribution to long-term sustainable growth. For her part, Crystal Edn, WTCA Executive Director, delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining WTCA's global initiatives and strategic programs aimed at supporting World Trade Centers and expanding their contribution to the global economy. Milan Ramjee, WTCA Membership Lead for Africa and the Middle East, highlighted ongoing efforts to empower WTCA regional members through tailored tools and services that streamline international trade and foster sustainable economic growth across both local and regional markets. During the conference, participants reviewed successful case studies highlighting the achievements of regional World Trade Centers, such as Expo Centre Sharjah and the World Trade Centers in Algiers, Cairo, and Riyadh. These presentations provided an opportunity to explore the best practices and scalable models for growth. Attendees discussed effective strategies for enhancing the role of World Trade Centers, with a consensus on the critical role of innovation and digital transformation in driving sustainable progress. For further information, please contact: - Ali Elgendy Misbar Communications ali@ Ahmad Aldwairi Misbar Communications
Gulf Today
14-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sharjah Chamber and WTCA boost cooperation in exhibition industry
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) discussed with the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)'s Middle East members ways to enhance strategic cooperation in advancing the growth and development of the exhibition industry in the region. The discussions highlighted the role of the exhibitions sector as a catalyst for economic growth, facilitating business connections, and promoting cross-border trade and investment. This took place as Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI and Chairman of Expo Centre Sharjah, received a group of WTCA Members. The meeting was attended by Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah and Member of WTCA's Conferences and Exhibitions Advisory Council; and Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), along with several officials from the Sharjah Chamber and Expo Centre Sharjah. The meeting focused on prospective initiatives to host joint events and sector-specific exhibitions and to launch training programs and capacity-building workshops. Discussions also emphasized the importance of developing the digital infrastructure of exhibition centers to keep pace with global trends and reinforce their role as platforms for innovation and cross-market engagement. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais affirmed that the meeting reflects the pioneering efforts undertaken by the Sharjah Chamber and Expo Centre Sharjah to cement the emirate's position as a global hub for exhibitions, commerce, and logistics services. For his part, Saif Mohammed Al Midfa stated that the World Trade Centers Association is a strategic partner to Expo Centre Sharjah in driving the exhibition industry's sustainable growth and unlocking new global opportunities through fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and best practice sharing. He stressed the growing importance of strengthened cooperation among regional trade centers to align with global industry trends, tap into business tourism and exhibition markets, and reinforce support for enterprises by improving market access and fostering a dynamic business ecosystem. The WTCA Members commended the hospitality extended to them and the value of the strategic discussions held during the meeting. They praised the UAE's overall achievements and Sharjah's remarkable progress in the exhibition industry over recent years. The visit concluded with a tour of the Permanent Industrial Exhibition at the Sharjah Chamber, where WTCA Members were introduced to a diverse array of local industries and products that reflect the emirate's growing industrial capabilities and manufacturing advancement. The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) hosted recently a panel discussion entitled 'Industry Pioneers –Make it in the Emirates', in the presence of Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI. Organized by Sharjah Youth Council (SYC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT)'s Youth Council, the session focused on presenting future opportunities within the UAE's industrial sector to Emirati youth. It also aimed to enhance youth involvement in the national 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative to promote the industrial sector as a key pillar of the UAE's strategy to build a diversified and sustainable economy. The session witnessed broad participation from officials, experts, and young entrepreneurs with an interest in the industrial sector. Among the attendees were Hussain Mohammed Al Mahmoudi, CEO of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park); Mohamed Ali Hilal, SCCI Board Member and CEO of Mohamed Hilal Group, and Mohammed Juma'a Al Musharrakh, CEO of the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah). Also present were Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector at SCCI, and Dr. Maryam Sultan Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Youth Council; as well as several officials and representatives from the Sharjah Chamber, local government youth councils, and SCCI Youth Council. In his remarks, Abdallah Sultan Al Owais said that public-private partnership to support young industrial pioneers forms a core component of a broader initiative framework implemented by the Sharjah Chamber in collaboration with strategic partners. 'These efforts aim to open new horizons and pathways for Emirati youth to engage in the industrial sector and to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to transform their creative ideas into viable industrial ventures that contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of the national economy,' he added. Agencies
Sharjah 24
14-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SCCI, WTCA discuss strengthening cooperation to boost global trade
The discussions highlighted the role of the exhibitions sector as a catalyst for economic growth, facilitating business connections, and promoting cross-border trade and investment. This took place as His Excellency Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI and Chairman of Expo Centre Sharjah, received a group of WTCA Members. The meeting was attended by His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah and Member of WTCA's Conferences and Exhibitions Advisory Council; and His Excellency Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), along with several officials from the Sharjah Chamber and Expo Centre Sharjah. The meeting focused on prospective initiatives to host joint events and sector-specific exhibitions and to launch training programs and capacity-building workshops. Discussions also emphasized the importance of developing the digital infrastructure of exhibition centers to keep pace with global trends and reinforce their role as platforms for innovation and cross-market engagement. His Excellency Abdallah Sultan Al Owais affirmed that the meeting reflects the pioneering efforts undertaken by the Sharjah Chamber and Expo Centre Sharjah to cement the emirate's position as a global hub for exhibitions, commerce, and logistics services. For his part, His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Midfa stated that the World Trade Centers Association is a strategic partner to Expo Centre Sharjah in driving the exhibition industry's sustainable growth and unlocking new global opportunities through fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and best practice sharing. He stressed the growing importance of strengthened cooperation among regional trade centers to align with global industry trends, tap into business tourism and exhibition markets, and reinforce support for enterprises by improving market access and fostering a dynamic business ecosystem. The WTCA Members commended the hospitality extended to them and the value of the strategic discussions held during the meeting. They praised the UAE's overall achievements and Sharjah's remarkable progress in the exhibition industry over recent years. The visit concluded with a tour of the Permanent Industrial Exhibition at the Sharjah Chamber, where WTCA Members were introduced to a diverse array of local industries and products that reflect the emirate's growing industrial capabilities and manufacturing advancement.
