More than 400 companies from 20 different countries have registered for the Doha Trade Fair 2009, which will commence on June 11 at the Qatar International Exhibition Center. Around 100,000 visitors were expected by the organisers to show up during the event.

The Doha Trade Fair, hosted by the Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (QTEA), will showcase 514 stands displaying a wide range of products and services from exhibitors worldwide.

Around 15,000 sq m exhibition space has been allotted for the guests to showcase their products during the event, which will be open from 11am to 10pm from Saturday to Thursday and from 4 pm to 11pm on Fridays.

Special pavilions have been designated for exhibitors from Iran, China, Pakistan, India, and guest Arab countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. Other exhibitors include those from Australia, Italy, Canada, Korea, Thailand, the Czech Republic, and Turkey, among others.

“The Doha Trade Fair 2009 stands as a special international trading and shopping experience for traders and businessmen to make successful as well as profitable bargains, as they can purchase large quantities of international products gathered under the same roof,” said Jaber Abdullah Al Mansouri, managing director of Al Maraya Public Relations Company, organisers of the event.

Products to be sold at the fair will include clothes, curtains, food, accessories, home supplies, decorations, games, sport equipment, art crafts, and furniture, among others.

“The Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority is proud to host the 2009 edition of the Doha Trade Fair, which will gather for the first time exhibitors coming from so many diverse countries and offer a wider range of unique products,” said Lahdan Al Mohannadi, Head of Organising Local Exhibitions.

Entrance is free and gifts will be given at the information counter. The event will last until June 20.