Sharjah: The seventh edition of the Indian trade, cultural, and entertainment exhibition "Come On Kerala" commenced yesterday at Expo Centre Sharjah, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and will run until May 11.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event is organized by Gulf Madhyamam in collaboration with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI). It is recognized as the Middle East's largest and most prominent platform dedicated to celebrating Indian culture, with a particular focus on the state of Kerala.
The exhibition was officially inaugurated by Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI and Expo Centre Sharjah, with the presence of Mohamed Ali Hilal Al Hazami, SCCI Board Member, and Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah. Also in attendance were Jamal Saeed Bouzanjal, Director of Corporate Communication at SCCI, Hamza Abbas, Chief Editor of Gulf Madhyamam, and prominent business figures and economic experts from both the UAE and India.
Following the opening ceremony, attendees toured the exhibition's pavilions, which feature a broad spectrum of industries including healthcare, tourism, education, retail, and interior design. Both public and private sector pavilions showcased their latest innovations, products, and investment offerings. The tour also included cultural and artistic performances highlighting Kerala's and India's traditional heritage.
Abdallah Sultan Al Owais emphasized that the 'Come On Kerala' exhibition is a key component of the Sharjah Chamber's strategic agenda to foster a robust local business environment and facilitate access to high-potential global markets, particularly with India. The exhibition is seen as vital in forging lasting partnerships between Emirati and Indian enterprises, supporting product diversification, enhancing Sharjah's economic competitiveness, and promoting sustainable growth.
Saif Mohammed Al Midfa highlighted that Expo Centre Sharjah takes pride in hosting the exhibition, which has become a milestone event in the emirate's calendar. He noted that it serves as an ideal platform for Indian companies to access regional markets, facilitating communication, partnerships, and knowledge sharing between business sectors from both countries.
Hamza Abbas expressed his delight at the continued success of the 'Come On Kerala' exhibition, noting a significant increase in exhibitors and the scale of its parallel activities this year. The edition features over 300 exhibitors, including government entities and major private sector companies from the UAE and India, and is expected to attract more than 275,000 visitors over its three-day duration.
The event's agenda includes more than 20 cultural and entertainment programs, including live performances featuring prominent Bollywood stars. The exhibition also offers interactive family-friendly activities, enriching the visitor experience with creatively designed exhibit halls reflecting Kerala's famous landmarks and iconic sites.
