A doubling of the number of companies engaged in Dubai's exhibitions and conferences sector over the past five years has prompted the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) to set up a new business group that will represent their interests.

According to the DCCI, companies operating in that field grew from 77 in 1977 to 169 in 2002. Last year some 272 exhibitions, conferences, symposiums and workshops were held in the emirate, up from 217 in 1997, putting the sector among the top business activities in Dubai.

The DCCI has six other groups representing such activities as food products trading, printing and publishing, land transport, pharmaceutical and health equipment, building materials trading and food and beverage manufacturing.

"Through the formation of these new business groups, we hope to develop an infrastructure to promote business development in Dubai, and further networking opportunities," the chamber said.