RAPAPORT… The Ramadan Fair, an annual event in the Emirate of Sharjah, is held in conjunction with the Sharjah Ramadan Festival and is an integral part of the emirate`s grand celebrations of Eid Al Fitr or the festival of breaking the fast.

While the business-to-consumer Fair runs through October 14, organizers say the event has been drawing large crowds since opening day September 25. With the upcoming Eid Al Fitr visitor numbers are expected to increase 15 percent from 2006 to an estimated 140,000.

"Over the years, the Ramadan Fair has come to be considered as one of the region`s most popular and widely visited consumer events," said Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

More than 200 exhibitors from China, India, Iran, Pakistan, Singapore, Zimbabwe, Lebanon, and the other Emirates were pre-registered for the Fair.

Major diamond brand Damas is one such exhibitor.

"The holy month of Ramadan, which ends with the Eid Al Fitr festival, is one of the most important Islamic celebrations," said Saif Al Midfa, director general of Expo Centre Sharjah.

The Ramadan Fair is open from 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. during the Ramadan period, and from 4:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. during Eid holidays.