Dutch interiors companies look to expand their Middle East market share at Index 2007

"Index has proven to be very important in opening doors for Dutch companies in the Middle East - it gives us access to the key architects, buyers, designers and construction companies," said Joris Völker, Senior Consultant, International Marketing and Sales, Modint Export, organisers of the Dutch participation at Index 2007. "Holland has had a long and successful relationship with Index - this year our pavilion will be the biggest ever, covering more than 250 square meters - the Dutch companies taking part include some of the leading names in Europe, offering a wide range of carpets, furniture and floor tiles."

Among the Dutch exhibitors at Index 2007 are customer carpet manufacturers M.I.D., Longbarn, ICE and Van Besouw Tapijt, AG textiles (specialists in quality window coverings), Van Buuren Meubelen, ZVI Helderr (glass furniture), Shuitema (high quality classic furniture), Bert Plantagi (high quality modern furniture), TFD (floor tiles) and creative interior designer Paul van Egmond.

"There are a lot of exhibitions in Dubai, but given the variety of products offeredby our exhibitors, there is only one that meets our needs, and that is Index," said Völker.

"Index is where we know we will see a lot of visitors not only from the UAE but also from Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, etc. The Middle East is a very important market for the companies on the Dutch pavilion - for example, the Dutch carpet industry is the third largest exporter of carpets in the world, and we are able to compete strongly in terms of design innovation, quality and price. Paul van Egmond, one of the most important interior designers in the Netherlands, is having considerable business success in the Middle East following his presence at Index in 2006."

ZVI Helderr comes to Index 2007 fresh from the success of being selected by England's Queen Elizabeth the Second to produce glass furniture for Buckingham Palace. The company designs and produces innovative glass furniture and accessories including tables, TV stands, lamps, magazine stands, fruit stands, office accessories and more. Helderr (Dutch for clear and transparent) is ZVI's exclusive brand, and is currently being retailed in Dubai, Canada, Germany, Japan and the Netherlands.

Helderr offers a complete range - not only tables, but large families of products, including coffee tables, consoles, lamp tables, TV stands, lamps and complimentary accessories. All of the products are designed and produced in the Netherlands, featuring true Dutch design and high quality production - as with the Buckingham Palace project, the company also offers custom made models to special request.

"Having heard so much about the massive amount of building going on in Dubai and the Middle East, we carried out a lot of research to establish the potential in the region, and this resulted in us taking part at Index 2006," said Sandra Gelderland, Co-owner of Helderr & Z.V.I. Dutch Glass Design. "We were very excited about the leads we received during the show last year - we met hotels and interior decorators and appointed our first Middle East distributor - the first orders were delivered during the last few months, and we now have a 'store within a store' at Casa Nova, which features all of our products. After the show there were also several leads from hotels, which are still under discussion."

"From experience we know that a lot of retailers and project decorators are reluctant to buy from companies that they have only seen once," added Gelderland. "Therefore we feel it is important to show them that Helderr is in the region to stay and is trustworthy. Last year we were at Index to find a distributor, this year we will be there to expand our sales, raise our company profile, increase brand awareness and show our new lines."

Index, a vibrant and inspirational celebration of the very latest global design developments in furniture and interiors, has built its success through a comprehensive product profile that covers all of the key product areas - furniture, textiles, flooring, wall coverings, window products, lighting, kitchens, bathrooms, ceramics, interior architecture, accessories, interior design services and furniture production - making it the region's most essential interiors event and a true one-stop sourcing opportunity.

Index 2007, which takes place from 1-5 November at Dubai International Exhibition Centre, is the 17th edition of this highly successful and globally respected event. "Once again, Index will break all-time records this year," said Kim Willis, Exhibition Development Director of dmg world media Dubai, organisers of the event. "One of the biggest professional trade exhibitions ever staged in the region, the quality and variety of the exhibitors and the products on offer will further enhance its unique international reputation."