Seventh edition of ‘Come on Kerala’ to begin on May 9 in Sharjah

Sharjah: The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), in partnership with Expo Centre Sharjah and Gulf Madhyamam, has officially announced the seventh edition of Come On Kerala, one of the largest Indian trade, cultural and entertainment expo in the Middle East. The event will take place from May 9 to 11 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

The announcement was made during a press conference attended by leading figures from both organizing entities and Gulf Madhyamam. Abdulaziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General for the Communication and Business Sector at SCCI, said that the event aligns with Sharjah’s strategy of deepening global economic relations, particularly with India, one of the UAE’s most significant trade partners.

Jamal Bouzanjal, Director of Corporate Communication at SCCI, highlighted the exhibition’s potential to enhance trade and investment flows, while providing a collaborative platform for promoting Indian products and services throughout the Gulf region.

Sultan Mohammed Al Omrani, Commercial Director at Expo Centre Sharjah, confirmed that all logistical preparations are complete. He noted that the event not only strengthens UAE–India relations but also reinforces Sharjah’s growing reputation in the regional exhibitions industry.

Other key attendees at the press conference included Sultan Shattaf, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Expo Centre Sharjah; Marwan Al Mashghouni, Director of Government Communications at Expo Centre Sharjah; Muhammad Rafeeq K, Global Head of Madhyamam Business Operations; Zakriya Muhammed, Chief Operating Officer of Gulf Madhyamam; Salih Kottappally, GCC Editorial Head of Gulf Madhyamam; and S.K. Abdullah, Senior Manager of Business Solutions at Gulf Madhyamam.

This year’s edition will host over 300 exhibitors from India and the UAE across sectors such as health, education, tourism, retail, real estate and interior design. A diverse line-up of cultural and entertainment activities will run throughout the three-day event. Indian superstar Mohanlal and actress Priya Mani will be among the prominent guests on the main stage.

The official opening ceremony is scheduled for May 9 at 4 PM and will be led by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Deputy Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council. Business leaders, diplomats and cultural icons from both nations are expected to attend.

Family-friendly programs will include culinary contests like Dum Dum Biryani, Chef Master and Dessert Master; children’s events such as the Little Artist drawing contest and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star fashion show; and student competitions like Campus Beats. Special segments like She Travelers, Light, Camera, Action and the AI Machans Show will further broaden the event’s appeal.

A major highlight of the opening night will be a live performance by celebrated singer Salman Ali. The following days will feature the Pioneers Award for outstanding UAE-based businesses, the Women Excellence Awards recognizing achievers from India and the UAE and ‘Ishq’—a musical night designed to evoke nostalgia within the Malayali diaspora.

The closing ceremony, titled Beyond Boundaries, will be a tribute to Mohanlal’s enduring impact on Indian cinema and global culture, with participation from renowned artists and public figures.

Ahead of the main event, an Investment Summit will be held on May 8 at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce, bringing together entrepreneurs from both countries to share insights and explore emerging opportunities in the rapidly evolving India-UAE economic partnership.