Sixth Edition Of 'Come On Kerala' Festival Launches In Sharjah

The 6th edition of "Come on Kerala," one of the Middle East's largest Indian trade, entertainment, and cultural fairs, commenced on Friday at the Expo Centre Sharjah. The event, under the patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, will run until 9th June.

Organised by Gulf Madhyamam in collaboration with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), this year’s expo features significant participation from business leaders and major public and private organisations across various economic fields. The event was inaugurated by Ahmad Muhammad Obaid Al Naboodah, board member of SCCI.

The opening ceremony saw attendance from Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, Hamza Abbas, Chief Editor of Gulf Madhyamam newspaper, Jamal Saeed Bouzanjal, Director of Corporate Communication Department at SCCI, and Marwan Al Mashghouni, Director of Government Relations at Expo Centre Sharjah. Entrepreneurs and economists from the UAE and India were also present.

Following the inauguration, attendees toured the exhibition’s pavilions and platforms to explore a wide range of investment opportunities offered by the Government of Kerala in the agricultural, industrial, and tourism sectors. They engaged with representatives from major public and private sector institutions showcasing their expertise across various economic sectors.

Ahmad Muhammad Obaid Al Naboodah affirmed that the Sharjah Chamber is committed to continuing its support for the "Come on Kerala" exhibition. This aligns with SCCI’s efforts to reinforce and broaden economic relations between Sharjah and Kerala.

Through business meetings held on the sidelines of the event, "Come on Kerala" provides an opportunity for the UAE business community to connect with their Indian counterparts. This promotes competitive advantages and substantial investment opportunities available across various economic fields.

Saif Mohammed Al Midfa stated that the event serves as a bridge connecting the Indian business community with their counterparts in Sharjah and the UAE. "Come on Kerala" stands out as a key commercial event, offering a platform for direct engagement with the UAE market and enhancing opportunities for cooperation and joint investment.

Strategic Expansion

He further noted that the exhibition provides UAE companies with extensive opportunities to explore potential partners and expand into the thriving Indian market. This represents a strategic chance for local businesses to enhance their presence and capitalise on expanding economic ties between the UAE and India.

Cultural Programmes

The 6th edition features a series of conferences and business forums aimed at exploring potential avenues for boosting investment cooperation between the UAE and India. The 3-day event also serves as a platform to showcase India’s economic, investment, and cultural landscape, with a particular focus on Kerala.

"Come on Kerala" hosts various cultural programmes, business seminars, art evenings, competitions, and contests. These events draw thousands of visitors each year, particularly from the expatriate Indian community in the UAE. A special highlight this year is a drawing competition titled "Little Artist".

Culinary Extravaganza

The event also includes a culinary extravaganza with dedicated food pavilions offering authentic Kerala cuisine. Other special activities include the "Indo-Arab Women Excellence Award".

With inputs from WAM