THE 2nd Saudi International Kids Show Tand Future Maman 2008, the week long exhibition which was held at the Dhahran International Exhibition Center from Nov. 2 to Nov. 7 attracted thousands of vistors -- nationals as well as expatriates. Interactive fun, free family activities and entertainment, professional tips and advice from various support groups, as well as hands-on displays and demonstrations, competitions, prizes and special guest appearances were the chief attractions that amused kids of all ages. Many activities were held at the show: fun town, domestic pets zoo, entertainment and educational shows, workshops and seminars. There were stalls of many famous international companies that manufacture children's products such as baby milk powder, diapers, personal hygiene products, food items and toys. “We give opportunities to every child who is willing to come and perform on stage, be it singing, dancing or any other form of talent,” said a female Executive Manager of this event. Organizers conducted various stage shows for children who participated in painting, dancing and singing competitions and distributed certificates and gifts. There were various educational stalls including one by the Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Science and Technology Center (Scitech), National Talents Training Center, Book Stalls. The pavilion of Shumua Al-Amal for Special Education and Rehabilitation Center for Autistic Children gained much attention from the visitors. “ This is a good opportunity to know more about special education for autistic children, since most people do not know about this facility which is available in Kingdom,” said Abu Mahmood, an Egyptian national who has an autistic child. “It is a fantastic experience to participate in such an exhibition. We get to know about new products and my kids enjoyed the pottery painting. I think it is worth visiting,” said Saboora Sameer, an Indian expatriate. As part of the exhibition, organizers conducted a free eye checkup for kids below the age of five. I Q tests, writing skill competitions and drawing competitions had a lot of parents and their wards waiting in line to participate in these competitions. “I came to know about the exhibition from the advertisement on the highway and I am here to find out about new products for my baby who hopefully will arrive in February,” said Maha, a Saudi mother. “This show is very fruitful for me in order to view the latest trends, to discover the newest requirements for children -- from newborns to 14-year-old children. In addition, future mothers have a big share of this exhibition, where she can find all her needs from clothes to healthcare products,” she said. Most of the product exhibition counters were run by women business executives, which was another positive new trend which helped mothers to interact and ask more questions about their products. __
