Ahmed Baabood reelected as 1st Vice Chairman of UFI Middle East/Africa Chapter

Oman (SANEPR.com) December 2, 2008 -- Union Foires International (UFI) is a prestigious global exhibitions authority based in Paris that aims to represent and serve the world’s exhibition industry and sets standards by promoting and regulating the unique value of trade fairs; educating exhibition industry professionals; offering extensive networking opportunities and enabling members to enhance business growth.

Already having served as the first Vice Chairman of the UFI - Middle East/Africa Chapter, Baabood is confident of renewing his commitment of taking the exhibitions industry in the Middle East and Africa to a much higher level.

Unanimously re-elected by fellow chapter members, Baabood will take on this responsibility commencing at the UFI congress to be held in Istanbul from 12-15 November 2008.

“I am honoured to have received the continued confidence and trust of my UFI colleagues to continue serving as the First Vice Chairman for the UFI-Middle East/Africa Chapter. This poses a much greater challenge to enhance quality, set world standards and add more value to the industry, which is instrumental in building various sectors through quality events and exhibitions,” Baabood said.

With Baabood taking the lead role, OITE and IE are set to work further on the development of exhibition standards, embarking on a stronger mission of becoming a leader in delivering dynamic exhibitions, conferences, festivals and sports events that address the requirements of the business sector not only in Oman but across the Gulf-wide region. OITE is the first and only UFI approved organizer and member and two its flagship events, COMEX – IT, Telecom & Technology Exhibition in its 20th year and GHEDEX – International Higher Education Exhibition in its 10th year, are UFI certified events of International Standard.

“I strongly believe that the exhibitions/events industry have more to offer as it plays a key role in strengthening the image and services of various sectors. With the support, guidance and standards of UFI, there’s no doubt, the events sector will soar and continue to provide an excellent platform which enhances the growth and development of various sectors,” Baabood added.

Baabood is an Omani national and is currently the chairman of OITE, a leading organizer of international exhibitions and conferences and Intevents (IE), a premier sports events management company in the country. OITE and IE are aiming to become the largest events company, having combined resources and services to address the growing demands of the business sector and the growing regional market.

Mr. Sadiq Ahmed Khan, Director for Sales and Marketing of OITE /IE commented, “His continued role will definitely strengthen the growth and development of the events sector in the region and we are happy that these are being lead from Oman by an Omani national. OITE/IE is delighted with his renewed appointment and we strongly support his plans and endeavors, which are being realised.”

Baabood is likewise a Board Member of the Arab Union for International Exhibitions and Conferences (AUIEC) and a Board Member at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry including the Industrial & Promotion Committee, the Tourism and Property Investment Committee and the Business Pioneers Club Committee, among others.