Dubai Ideal Home Show opens doors

The show has attracted a host of celebrities from around the world and prominent exhibitors from the fields of interior, design, landscaping, architecture as well as lifestyle experts and internationally reputed chefs.

Mr. Lootah walked around the exhibition hall and interacted with the exhibitors as well as well as spoke to the celebrities at length. He said: 'The Middle East construction boom estimated to be around $1 trillion has provided a boost to allied industries and augurs well for interior and exterior design, kitchen, table and dining products, home technology, arts and crafts for the home, and garden & outdoor living that seek to each out to the region through Dubai.'

He noted that Industry statistics confirm that the total value of real estate projects currently under way in the Middle East region has already topped the US$1 trillion mark.

Messe Frankfurt's Exhibition Director, Christopher Hudson confirmed that the show has attracted hundreds of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, designers, exhibiting products and services for the discerning regional consumers. 'The Dubai Ideal Home Show 2006 provides the best opportunity for auxiliary businesses to thrive,' he added.

'We are delighted to be hosting several top name interior designers, chefs and lifestyle experts who will be appearing at this year's Ideal Home Show and these celebrities will be on-hand over the four days to offer advice, demonstrations and inspiration; whether it's needed for the kitchen, garden, bedroom or lounge,'

observed Mr. Hudson.

Among the chefs demonstrating their culinary skills will be Ainsley Harriott, the exuberant presenter of BBC's 'Ready, Steady, Cook' and 'Off the Menu' television shows. Ainsley will be preparing signature dishes and presiding over the BBC Cooking Challenge in his own inimitable style.

World renowned celebrity chef, Sanjeev Kapoor will also be a star attraction and needs little introduction as the best known face of Indian cuisine. TV show host, author of best selling cookbooks, restaurant consultant and winner of several prestigious awards, Sanjeev will be demonstrating the art of Indian cooking in the Tefal Taste Temptation Theatre.

Providing a regional flavour to the proceedings will be Chef Osama El Sayed, popular host of the live daily TV shows Ma Osama Atyab ('it's More Delicious with Osama') and Bilhanna Wa Shiffa ('With Joy and Good Health'). Osama describes his cooking as 'Nouvelle Mediterranean Cuisine' and he specialises in taking complex dishes and simplifying them so that viewers can create their own masterpieces at home.

Prominent among the interior design style team will be Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, flamboyant presenter of a number of BBC programmes, including; 'Sunday Home' and 'Garden and Home Front'. Laurence will be advising visitors on how to create the perfect indoor environment for their homes, using the latest ideas and trends. Joining him in the Jotun Inspiring Ideas Theatre will be Linda Barker, famous to BBC viewers as the star of the 'Changing Rooms' show. Linda has sold over a million books worldwide and is highly regarded for her 'effortless chic' philosophy with interior spaces.

Other top names on hand offering advice and ideas include Gordon Russell, Mary Gilliat and Paul Bishop. Gordon Russell is an award winning interior designer whose clients have included Lord Rothschild, Mick Jagger and Bob Hoskins. Mary Gilliat is a famous author and TV presenter renowned for her work with fabrics, wall covering and tableware. Paul Bishop is one Dubai's foremost interior stylists and anyone who has been in the city for any length of time will have undoubtedly enjoyed one of his unique designs.

Lending the proceedings a touch of the metaphysical will be Georgia Kiafi, Feng Shui Master. Georgia is one of the world's leading Feng Shui consultants and has made numerous television appearances offering advice on this ancient Chinese practice. She is also a distinguished author and has lectured on her specialist subject at forums across the world.

Focusing on the exterior design aspects of good living will be Grant Donald; eminent landscape architect. Mr. Donald has contributed to a number of world famous projects, such as Disneyland, Hong Kong and the 2010 World expo site in Shanghai. He has also been heavily involved with community-based schemes; such as the development of landscape designs for aboriginal schools and communities in outback Australia. He can currently be heard weekly on Dubai radio, sharing his knowledge and experience locally.

Last year's event attracted 200 exhibitors and over 7,500 visitors who utilised similar opportunities to take home gifts and discounted items. With attractive offers, additional segments and celebrities from all the fields, the attendance and participation this year are expected to be much higher.