DUBAI // Most visitors to the Big Boys Toys exhibition were pleased with the products on display, while others said they would have been happier had the expo focused solely on techie merchandise.
Atif Malek, exhibition director at Artaaj events – the company hosting Big Boys Toys 2014 – said that the event included 10 categories, everything from aviation to jewellery and fashion.
Pavan Sharma and Bina Kumari, both Dubai residents, said it was their first time attending the exhibition, which is in its fifth edition.
“I wanted to come here because I am very much into the modification of cars and consider myself a technical kind of guy,” said Mr Sharma, adding that he intended to showcase a line of watches at the exhibition next year.
“I’m here to look around and possibly purchase one of the products.”
Ms Kumari, meanwhile, encouraged women to check out the exhibition, which, she said, provided her with an opportunity to familiarise herself with new technology.
“Although I’m not too much into techie stuff, I would like to be aware of what the international market holds when it comes to new technology,” she said.
“I might not understand the specifics or mechanical aspects of a car, but I am definitely attracted to the presentation and design.
“I intend on posting online all the pictures I take here today and would recommend women also come to the showroom.”
Dimitar Dimitarov and Denitsa Hristova said the Big Boys Toys exhibition had exceeded their expectations by showcasing products that target women as well.
“We’re here today to see new things, and so far it has been a great experience,” he said, adding that he was relieved for Ms Hristova’s sake that the expo featured products that were not just tech-related.
“At first I though it was only going to be products for men, but there are some really cool things here,” Ms Hristova said.
“There was a section showcasing really cool clocks that display the time in words, and the price of it was not too bad. I like that the expo caters to women as well.”
Not everyone was happy that Big Boys Toys featured products that were not tech-related.
“The exhibition is not what I expected. There are interesting products here, but it’s as if there is no specific target audience,” said Fahed Abdullah, 29, who is visiting from Saudi Arabia. “You have stands selling jewellery, and that has nothing to do with tech stuff or boys’ toys.
“It’s as if they wanted to fill in gaps on the ground. I don’t think it’s worth the Dh100 to enter.”
Mr Malek said that some were misled by the expression Big Boys Toys thinking that it was an event that catered only to men.
“It’s not supposed to be just about boys, although a lot of people seem to think so because of the name,” he said.”We have made it clear on our website and whatever we sent out that the exhibition includes everything from aviation to jewellery and fashion. It’s not about filling gaps.
“Furthermore, we have always tried to portray that Big Boys Toys is for every member of the family. That’s why we have zones where little kids can play, and a chill-out zone where a family can have a decent meal with nice music.”
Mr Malek said that the organisers also targeted women, who, he said, enjoyed the same mechanical products as men.
“At the end of the day, what woman doesn’t like nice and fast cars, or cool-looking submarines. I’ve seen women go all gaga over such products,” he said. “There’s nothing here that women can’t also enjoy. It’s Disney Land for all adults.”
Sunday is the final day of the exhibition, which last year attracted about 28,000 visitors.
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae
