MEMAC to take place alongside BIDEC <strong>2017</strong> One of the key features of the Bahrain International Defence Exhibition & Conference (BIDEC <strong>2017</strong>) being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and chaired by H.H. Brigadier-General Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, will be the Middle East Military Alliances and Coalitions Conference (MEMAC), due to take place alongside the exhibition on 16-17 <strong>Oct</strong>ober <strong>2017</strong>. During the two-day programme, delegates will hear from the most influential regional and international military and diplomatic leadership. The Conference is being organised by Clarion Events in conjunction with the Bahrain Defence Force, and the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies, ‘DERASAT’, an international strategic and security-focused think tank based in the Kingdom of Bahrain. According to DERASAT Chairman, Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, “MEMAC will examine the critical role that military alliances can play in the region’s collective defence and security.” Jewellery Arabia <strong>2017</strong> The Middle East’s premier jewellery and watch exhibition, Jewellery Arabia, is set to return to the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre from 21 - 25 November <strong>2017</strong>. Held under the patronage of HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa the Prime Minister of Bahrain, this spectacular annual event brings together over 600 exhibitors from 30 countries for a dazzling 5-day gala of glitz and International Chocolate & Coffee Exhibition Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) will host the 2nd “The approach will highlight the nexus between politics, diplomacy and military action and recognize the complexity of securing agreement between multiple states, each with their own unique political strategies. Speakers and panellists have been deliberately selected to represent different verticals of defence including senior military personnel, international diplomats and foreign affairs academics.” The opening of MEMAC will take place on the 16th <strong>Oct</strong>ober, <strong>2017</strong>, at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay and will be followed in sequence by the official Bahrain International Defence Exhibition and Conference Gala Dinner. In attendance will be VIP Military Delegations with the most senior representatives of overseas glamour. Spanning 21,000 square metres of exhibition space, a huge range of finished jewellery, luxury timepieces, precious stones, objets d’art, clocks, fine writing instruments and more from around the globe go on sale. “Last year, we welcomed over 49,000 visitors from 43 countries. In <strong>2017</strong> visitors can look forward to the latest collections, creations and innovations at this trendsetting exhibition and the unique opportunity to purchase from the widest selection of jewellery and watches in the region,” said UBM AEM’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Fawzi Al Shehabi. World famous watch and jewellery houses will be making a return appearance, including major brand names to introduce exclusive collections and limited edition pieces to the Middle East collectors’ market. Bahrain International Chocolate and Coffee Exhibition under the patronage of the Authority’s CEO Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa at Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention defence departments and Bahrain-based diplomats. Amongst the confirmed presenters is US General Wesley K. Clark (ret.) who will be Co-Chairing the Conference. General Clark brings a wealth of experience as a former commander of NATO forces and will be leading discussions on joint operations, emerging defence technologies, alliances and policy formulation. The second-day of MEMAC will be hosted at the Palm Hall, directly adjacent to the main BIDEC <strong>2017</strong> exhibition at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre. Registration for MEMAC <strong>2017</strong> is now live at www.bahraindefence.com, and a delegate pass to MEMAC also allows access to BIDEC <strong>2017</strong> where over 120 international manufacturers and suppliers of the latest military equipment, technology and systems will be present on 16-18 <strong>Oct</strong>ober <strong>2017</strong>. With over 3000 international visitors expected to attend BIDEC, there will also be unique features including Shooting Range Exercises, Parachute Demonstrations, a Warship Display and Military Vehicle Demonstrations taking place in Bahrain as part of the show. Complementing these iconic brands are national groups from leading jewellery export countries like Hong Kong, India, Singapore and Thailand. Joining international brands and national groups are a host of designers, retailers and manufacturers from all over the world, including a selection of Bahrain’s leading jewellers. To assist visitors with making informed buying choices, the world’s foremost authority on gemology the GIA (Gemmological Institute of America) will be offering visitors complimentary seminars on gems and jewellery. Jewellery Arabia <strong>2017</strong> is open free of charge to the public. The exhibition will open from 4 pm to 10 pm on 21 to 24 November, and from 12 pm to 10 pm on 25 November. For more information, please visit www.jewelleryarabia.com. Centre (BIECC) on December 7-9. It will open new vistas from the perspective of investors, importers, entrepreneurs as well as bring in international expertise in this industry. 86 <strong>Sep</strong>tember-<strong>Oct</strong>ober <strong>2017</strong>
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