‘Come On Kerala’ grand launch draws massive turnout in Sharjah
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The seventh edition of ‘Come On Kerala,’ the largest Indian trade, entertainment and cultural fair in the Middle East, opened with a vibrant start at the Sharjah Expo Centre. Organised by Gulf Madhyamam, the three-day mega event will run until May 11, offering a unique confluence of Indo-Arab trade ties, cultural exchange and diaspora celebration.
The inaugural ceremony was held under the patronage of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, officially inaugurated the event. The ceremony witnessed the presence of several prominent figures including Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Sharjah Expo Centre; Hamza Abbas, Chief Editor of Gulf Madhyamam; Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare; Bander Al Othman, Chairman of OGold; Ahmed Abdel Tawab, Co-founder and Director of OGold; Thomas Antony, Head of International Marketing at Joyalukkas; P.B. Anwar, CTO and Executive Director at Hotpack Group; Mike Cheetham, Global Business Director and Head of Sustainability; P. Mohammed Faseem, CEO of HiLITE Builders; Afi Ahmed, Chairman of Smart Travel Group; P.I. Noushad, Joint Editor of Madhyamam and Salim Ambalan, Director of Gulf Madhyamam Middle East Operations.
Following the formal inauguration, the dignitaries toured the exhibition area, which features over 200 stalls representing companies and organisations from the Gulf and India.
The festivities began on Friday morning with the ‘Little Artist’ drawing competition, attracting over 1000 children. The contest, divided into junior and senior categories, will continue till the end of the fair.
A special evening ceremony honoured ten alumni associations as finalists of the Alumni Impact Award. Later, Bollywood singer Salman Ali led a musical night, enthralling the audience with popular Hindi melodies.
On Saturday, the main stage hosts the Jalil Cash & Carry Pioneer Award and the Indo-Arab Women Excellence Awards, which recognise outstanding Indian and Arab women achievers. Among the awardees is South Indian actress Priyamani.
The event will conclude on Sunday with a grand awards ceremony featuring the Business Achievement Award, Business Icon Award and Arabian Legacy Award. The finale will be graced by renowned Indian actor Mohanlal as the chief guest.