Two Decades, Three Pillars: Vega Intertrade’s Growth in the MENA Region

Two Decades, Three Pillars: Vega Intertrade’s Growth in the MENA Region

Over two decades, Vega Intertrade has grown from a niche exhibition organizer into a multi-vertical enterprise in the event landscape of the Middle East.

Founded in 2003 in Thailand and later establishing its base in Dubai in 2011, the company built a reputation as a trusted name in organizing multi-faceted events and cultural exhibitions across the MENA region.

This long-term success did not happen by accident – it was driven by strategic diversification into three main business verticals: International Trade Shows, Retail & F&B Leasing Management, and Cross-Cultural Branding & Market Entry Support. Each of these verticals has evolved over time, reinforcing Vega’s growth and positioning in MENA.

The visionary leadership of CEO Mr Akavut ( Tony ) Tangsilikusolwonghas  has guided these expansions with foresight, fostering strong industry relationships and anticipating market needs. The result is a company that stands on solid pillars, each contributing to its sustained success in the region.

International Trade Shows

International trade shows have been a core pillar of Vega Intertrade since its early days. The company was initially acclaimed for creating business opportunities for Thai SMEs in Middle Eastern trade fairs, essentially bridging Asian enterprises with GCC markets. Over time, this vertical has expanded dramatically.

Today, Vega connects international brands with high-visibility exhibition opportunities across the Gulf, from UAE to Saudi Arabia. Its services cover the full spectrum of trade show support – from curating participation in premium B2B and B2C expos to providing end-to-end logistics like booth leasing and on-ground execution. By collaborating with major event organizers and delivering market insights, Vega ensures that client brands achieve maximum visibility and ROI in these forums. This focus has led to tangible growth: Vega now organizes over ten gems and jewelry trade shows in the Middle East annually, among other industry-specific fairs. Notably, the company has been behind Thailand’s presence at Dubai’s famed Global Village and has hosted major trade exhibitions across the GCC. Such efforts not only generate business for clients but also cement Vega’s reputation as one of the region’s most reliable exhibition organizers.

The evolution of this vertical – from facilitating small national pavilions to staging large-scale international expos – has been fundamental to Vega’s long-term growth in the MENA region. Building on this momentum, a new concept has emerged to establish- Global City Dammam in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. This initiative aims to create a hub that enriches economic diversification, innovation, and international collaboration, contributing significantly to the region’s development and Vega’s expansion strategy.

Retail & F&B Leasing Management

The second pillar, retail and F&B leasing management, grew out of Vega’s event expertise and its knack for blending culture with commerce. This vertical offers strategic services for retail and food & beverage leasing in top-tier malls and commercial spaces, acting as a one-stop solution for brands looking to establish a physical foothold.

Vega provides everything from space acquisition and tenant mix strategy to activation events and ongoing operational support, all while leveraging a strong network of mall developers to secure prime locations. The origins of this business line can be traced to Vega’s innovative projects in the mid-2010s, when the company began managing and curating themed retail experiences.

Vega conceptualized Thai Mart in Bahrain – bringing a taste of Thailand’s famous markets to a Middle Eastern audience – and curated the “Thai Souq” at Souk Al Marfa, a marketplace blending Thai products into a UAE setting. These endeavors demonstrated how cultural retail zones could attract crowds and create buzz, and they naturally led Vega to formalize its leasing management services. Over time, this vertical has become a growth engine for the company, generating steady revenue through long-term leasing projects and deepening Vega’s partnerships with real estate and tourism sectors in the region. By balancing cultural authenticity with commercial viability, Vega’s retail and F&B leasing management arm has enhanced the company’s regional presence and diversified its portfolio beyond traditional exhibitions.

Cross-Cultural Branding & Market Entry Support

The third pillar of Vega’s business is cross-cultural branding and market entry support – a consultancy-oriented vertical that capitalizes on the company’s decades of intercultural experience. In essence, Vega acts as a strategic partner for international brands entering the UAE and broader Middle Eastern markets. This means guiding new entrants through vital steps: from understanding local consumer behavior and cultural norms to tailoring brand positioning and marketing strategies for the region.

Vega’s team provides full-service support for setting up in a new country – including help with business licensing, localization of branding, and orchestrating launch events. Just as importantly, they ensure that clients adhere to local regulations and business practices, so that market entry is not only effective but fully compliant with UAE standards.

This vertical evolved as Vega recognized that many of its exhibition clients needed ongoing support to turn event appearances into permanent market presence. Having built bridges between Asia and the Middle East for years, the company was well positioned to offer advice on cultural adaptation and brand translation. By formalizing these services, Vega has strengthened its role as a gateway for cross-border business. It also reinforces Vega’s identity as a “cultural ambassador” in business, helping global brands and local markets understand each other better. In the competitive MENA landscape, such expertise has been key to Vega’s differentiation and resilience.

To Conclude

Standing on these three pillars, Vega Intertrade has built a well-rounded and future-ready enterprise in the MENA region. Each vertical supports the others: success in trade shows opens doors for retail partnerships, while insights from market entry consulting feed back into crafting more impactful exhibitions and store experiences. This synergy has been nurtured by leadership that constantly seeks innovative ways to connect cultures and commerce.

Today, Vega operates across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman and beyond, serving as a trusted partner to governments, SMEs, and corporates alike. From its humble start in 2003 to its current position as an industry player with 20+ years of experience, the company’s journey reflects strategic adaptation and vision. As Vega’s team likes to say, “Vega doesn’t just organize exhibitions—we create cultural and traditional memories that drive business and create sustainable economic growth.” This philosophy – focusing on meaningful, culturally rich business experiences – underlies all three verticals and continues to guide Vega Intergrade’s path forward in the Middle East.