The 18th edition of the annual five-day fair is being organised by Al Fajer Information and Services of the United Arab Emirates.

Over 525 exhibitors have confirmed participation and the show will see a turnout of more than 5,000 overseas trade delegates, says a press release.

This year the show will have country pavilions of Bangladesh, India, China, Hong Kong, Iran, Turkey, Indonesia and Mauritius. Other countries participating include Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cyprus, Algeria and Pakistan.

A total of 32 exhibitors from the UAE are also participating at the fair, said Satish Khanna, general manager of Al Fajer Information and Services at a press conference on Wednesday at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

"Such a large turnout of overseas trade delegations will definitely give a shot in the arm of the local economy, particularly the hospitality and local transport sector," he said.

Khanna said trade visitor turnout for this year's show is expected to cross 15,000, compared to last year's 14,496.

The fair will be open to trade visitors only. However in the evening of the fifth day, general public will be allowed entry into the fair.

The fair will showcase consumer goods including cosmetics, foodstuff, electronics, household appliances, plastic household products, toys, stationery, electrical, handicrafts, carpets, garments, textiles, house wares, kitchenware, sanitary ware, novelties, machinery and machine tools, hardware accessories as well as diary products.

China is the leading exhibitor at the show with 227 participants while Hong Kong is taking part in the show with 41 companies.

The Bangladesh pavilion will feature products of 17 companies on a 150-square-metre area. Jute goods will be one of the main attractions.