European Exhibitors To Shine At Inaugural Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East In Dubai

The world’s oldest minting institution is among more than 50 exhibitors descending upon the Middle East’s new trade fair for gifts, accents, and lifestyle products in Dubai next month, as it looks to make inroads in the region’s corporate gifting, MICE and hospitality sectors.

Founded in 864, Monnaie de Paris specialises in the production of commemorative pieces of art in precious metals, including coins and medals, decorations, jewellery, bespoke decorative castings, and corporate VIP gifts targeting the high-end luxury segment.

Its reputation built over more than ten decades has led to numerous creations in collaboration with prestigious names such as Cartier, Baccarat, Boucheron, and Van Cleef&Arpels.

Now, the French company is looking to strengthen its regional presence via the inaugural edition of Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East, which takes place from 14-16 December at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Mehdi El Ouardighi, Deputy Sales Director at Monnaie de Paris, which is one of 25 European exhibitors at the event, said the company’s authentic French artistry and expertly crafted design using age-old techniques will be of huge appeal to the discerning Middle East buyer.

“We offer a wide range of unique and high-quality precious metal products, with an expertise in two areas: the production of commemorative pieces of art in precious metals, and the striking circulation of French and foreign coins, notably for central banks in the Middle East,” said Mr. El Ouardighi.

“Thanks to our strong history and know-how we built partnerships with major companies and institution across the world. These references help us to express confidence in our product, service and quality and our professionalism in relation to tailor made products to meet any request.

“The Middle East is a growing marketplace, as it is set to host several major trading and sports events,” added Mr. El Ouardighi.  “We aim to tap into new regional markets, driven by our long standing philosophy that reflects our history and inspires the creation of unique, simple, and timeless products.”

Monnaie de Paris is just one example of the variety of homeware, gifting, personal accessories, and lifestyle-related products that will be on offer at Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East 2021, which presents a vital gateway to a vibrant UAE market in particular.

According to analysts Euromonitor International, the country’s retail value of homeware (dining, glassware, cutlery, dinnerware), personal luxury (including designer footwear, jewellery, leather and travel goods, bags, and writing instruments), and personal accessories, will grow from US$13 billion in 2021 to US$14 billion in 2023.

Dutch company Xapron, which creates genuine leather products for kitchen and outdoor cooking such as aprons, knife roll bags, and table décor, is another European exhibitor looking to tap into this market and expand further in the Middle East.

Peter Vrins, Owner and Founder of Xapron, said the company already delivers and distributes to the USA, Asia, South America, Australia, Europe, and South Africa, and he now sees the Middle East as the new frontier.

“We cater a lot towards restaurant and F&B businesses so we have a great opportunity to serve the massive hospitality market in the UAE and wider Middle East,” said Vrins.  “We also serve the corporate gifting market in Europe, China, and the USA, so all our products can be personalised with company logos and names.

Vrinssaid the success of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events), hospitality, and F&B industries plays a significant positive impact on gifting: “The real-life experience from the corporate gifting world into the hospitality world is becoming a vast trend,” he added.  “The two worlds are now intertwined.”

Elsewhere, Swiss company The Wind will look to make a big splash at Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East 2021 with the global launch of its Wind Decor collection of stained glass table decor items and its ‘International and Christmas Collection’, that will carry Christmas table accessorises and various countries’ national flags, including that of the UAE.The Wind creates exclusive stained glassed items using the ‘Tiffany’ technique, comprising accessorises such as napkin rings, glass coasters, trays, bowls and lamps.

Maria Pankina, CEO of The Wind, said the company is eager to meet B2B partners such as restauranteurs, interior designers, hotel representatives, and event and wedding agencies.

“We would like to create a personalised and unique atmosphere in restaurants, bars and hotels, and to enhance the status of these establishments with our stained glass accessories,” said Ms. Pankina, adding that the corporate gifting segment can also be of wide appeal.

“We figured out how to use the Tiffany technique and coloured glass to create decorative elements for interiors along with decorating tables. They can serve both as independent gifts and as a more personalised gift set. We are open to cooperation, and moreover, corporate gifting is another avenue to develop our business.”

Organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East is co-located with Paperworld Middle East, the region’s premier trade fair for stationary, paper, office supplies, and children’s toys and games.

In addition to numerous networking and supplies sourcing, the dual platform will present a number of special features, including The Hub Forums, a three-day conference; the Playworld Village replete with children’s toys and games; and Project Sustainability, a specially curated section that shines the spotlight on eco-friendly products and supplies.

“There’s a strong culture of corporate gifting in the UAE and the greater MENA region which is especially prevalent in the MICE sector,” said Syed Ali Akbar, Show Director of Gifts &Lifestyle Middle East and Paperworld Middle East.

“End-user leather items are also a key focus with exhibitors from Italy, Egypt and South Africa, to name a few, showcasing products ranging from clothing and shoes to bags, wallets, belts and luxury accessories.”

“The synergies between Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East and Paperworld Middle East are also beneficial for traders, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and event companies who are looking to diversify their product portfolios,” added Akbar.

“That’s in addition to attendees from purchasing departments represented by a wide scope of companies from restaurants, hotels and interior designers to department stores and boutiques.”

More information is available at: www.giftslifestyleme.com