The growing importance of outdoor space and design to be showcased at INDEX 2008

It is estimated that, for nine months of the year, residents of the GCC spend as much as 60% of their leisure time outside.

Add to this increasing periods of pleasant weather and more outdoor leisure opportunities, and the result is a definite shift in lifestyle and in how we spend our time and money.

This has most certainly had a significant effect on furniture and space design, with indoor most definitely moving outdoor.

Nowhere is this lifestyle shift more evident than in the recent announcement from Dubai Municipality who stated that it plans to undertake 109 landscape and beautification projects at a cost of approx. $126m as part of its Strategic Plan for the period 2007-2011.

The plan aims to increase the per capita share of greenery to 23.4m2 by the end of the plan and to raise the total area of cultivated land to 31.5% of the urban land by 2011.

The projects include the development of the existing six public parks within the emirate, plus the creation of an additional 21 neighbourhood parks, 23 community facilities and four pond parks amongst other projects.

This marks a monumental change in Dubai's transformation as far as outdoor design is concerned.

The design of outdoor space, as much - if not more so - than indoor space, has an important impact on how we feel about ourselves and how we behave.

The design of outdoor space is fundamental to an individual's well-being and as a direct consequence of this, the prosperity of a city. Not only does this relate to public spaces but also to commercial and private outdoor space.

"Outdoor design is now an important growing market given the increase in homeowners but also the increased number of hotels and available public spaces," said Kim Willis, Exhibition Development Director of dmg world media Dubai, the organisers of INDEX. "We recognise the growth in this market and welcome the opportunity to support companies involved in this product area. INDEX provides the ideal showcase for design companies and innovative outdoor furnishing suppliers to reach the movers and shakers in both the UAE and regional marketplace."

The lines between indoor and outdoor are becoming less defined and furnishings are now being used in similar ways in both spaces. Cushioned furniture, rugs, mood lighting and plants are used to create outdoor "rooms" to relax and live in.

Ergonomically designed, with detailing and colour co-ordination, just as much effort and money is now spent to make these outdoor spaces an extension of every day living.

A frequent long-time INDEX exhibitor, K&P Trikan Ltd., supplies indoor and outdoor furniture for hotels and resorts all over the Middle East and Gulf region and has 22 years experience in this market.

The company offers the latest contemporary designs in outdoor furniture including tables, chairs, sun loungers.

"We have supplied many hotels in the region such as the Metropolitan and Le Meriden groups and our Middle East sales are increasing by approximately 10% year on year," said Mr Khalil Nizam, Managing Director of K&P Trikan. "We exhibit at INDEX because it provides us with access to this important market and because Dubai is the business centre for the region."

Simexa from Thailand have exhibited their products at INDEX for the past 3 years. "We have received good feedback from the show and our customers expect us to exhibit at INDEX, where we present our new collections and materials," said Ms. Thammasangwan of Simexa. "There is great sales potential, particularly for the big projects in the region and 2008 will see us returning again to INDEX with an even bigger stand."

The Simexa brand comprises a range of weather resistant furniture in PVC wicker covered aluminium frames offering quality and comfort for the outdoor lifestyle.

Currently, Simexa focuses on living and dining sets as well as occasional items but is looking into new designs and the use of new materials.

Trends in outdoor furniture continue to be about ease of maintenance and longevity as much as new designs that suit the needs of customers.

Moreover, people are more and more concerned with environmental issues such as global warming, therefore manufacturers need to take into consideration the methods and materials they use so as to cut down on pollution and the harming of natural resources.

Simexa has agents across the region and provides furniture to commercial projects and retail outlets for use on beaches, gardens, balconies and around swimming pools.

Dining sets and day beds are particularly popular with the commercial projects and Simexa is currently working on several large projects in the UAE.

The region's premier interiors event, INDEX provides a uniquely comprehensive showcase of every type of interior product, service and furnishings. "With the continuing growth in tourism related projects as well as commercial and residential structures, there is no doubt that the market for outdoor furnishings is ripe for expansion across the region," added Willis. "Extending the range of outdoor furnishing options on show at INDEX means that an even more comprehensive selection of products will be available, thus providing a complete A-Z range of solutions for all types of projects".

INDEX, the Middle East's International Furniture and Interior Design Exhibition, takes place from 3 - 7 December 2008 at Dubai International Exhibition Centre.