Index, the interiors event of the year, closes on an all-time high

"This year's show once again set a new attendance record, welcoming 36,994 visitors, an increase of 7.3% against last year and in excess of our initial projections," said Bernard Walsh, Managing Director of dmg world media Dubai Ltd., the organisers of the event. "We saw a 17% year on year increase in the number of trade visitors from Dubai, which is inline with the increased development activity taking place, and visitor traffic from other GCC countries was also very strong - in total, 62% of our total visitors came from outside Dubai."

Covering over 61,000 square metres of floor space (35,594 sqm nett), Index, internationally acknowledged as one of the most important interiors events anywhere in the world, this year completely filled the Dubai International Exhibition Centre complex - all eight halls plus the Sheikh Rashid Hall, Al Multaqua Hall, The Pavilion and the huge new Zabeel Hall.

"We made substantial efforts to attract the key buyers from Saudi Arabia, India, Iran and other key countries, and it is very satisfying to see that our strategy was successful,"

added Walsh. "Encouragingly, there was also a marked increase in the number of visitors from East Africa, which demonstrates the still expanding geographical strength of Index."

Index is a truly global event, not just in terms of the exhibiting manufacturers and suppliers who participate in the show, but also for the audience of professional buyers and specifiers who came from the whole of the GCC region, the subcontinent, the Middle East region, Africa, Europe and even the Far East and America.

"Again strengthening its international credentials, Index has proven why it is so important for the entire region," said Kim Willis, Exhibition Development Director of dmg world media Dubai. "Given the scale and speed of ongoing development throughout this still expanding region, it is vitally important to have a comprehensive shop window such as Index - the show is the ideal place for manufacturers and suppliers to meet and do business with the key buyers and specifiers responsible for the major landmark projects in progress, and planned, for the whole of the Arabian Gulf and beyond."

Exhibitors reported substantial business deals throughout the show. APF Munn Master Framemakers of the USA, who made their debut at Index this year, struck a big deal to supply custom-made mirrors for an 1,800 room, 5 star hotel in Jumeirah, while timber and wood products specialist Mega Star, another Index 2006 debutant, was close to securing contracts worth a total of US$1 million; one with an Iranian company and another with a Syrian company, for hardwoods including African teak and MDF. "These deals will be some of the largest that we have ever signed at an exhibition," said Sarwan Singh, Mega Star's Business Development Manager.

In addition to the many deals secured at the show, Index exhibitors, including those from many countries who used the show to test the potential of the Middle East market, were busy making contacts, appointing agents and sourcing new distributors for their products. Many were so encouraged by their experience at the show, and the high level of interest shown in their product ranges, that they have decided to set up bases in the region.

"This year's Index was also the platform that many international exhibitors chose to showcase their latest products and designs for the very first time in the Middle East," added Willis. "Leading European carpet manufacturer ICE of Holland chose the show to premier their innovative new collection, while Swarovski unveiled its highly creative Crystal StarLED lighting products."

Featuring the most inspirational interiors industry leaders, Index has again delivered the biggest trade show in any sector in the whole of the Gulf region," concluded Walsh. "The ultimate proof of the event's effectiveness, however, is the high number of repeat bookings that we have already received for Index 2007."