Interiors UAE seminars shed light on the trend forecast of interiors sector

The seminars, which on emerging technologies, design directions, environmental, ecological influence and sustainability in the retail and contract sectors.

The focused seminars have evoked a tremendous response from both the trade as well as exhibitors during the four-day exhibition.

The one-of-its-kind exhibition, which continues till April 2 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, features an impressive line up of top brands from around the globe.

CMP Information, UK's leading exhibition & events firm, is organizing the exhibition in joint venture partnership with Channels Exhibitions.

One of the well attended seminars was 'Living With Art' forum organised in conjunction with Eventive.

During the event, the Living With Art Interior Design Competition was also launched. The award is aimed at promoting excellence in Abu Dhabi interior design and recognizing talent in the region.

The seminars are being held in conjunction with Global Color Research Ltd, identity Magazine, one of the most influential magazines in the UAE interiors market today, APID - the Association of Interior Design Professionals, BIDA - the British Interior Design Association and Traffic - a UAE-based design gallery as well as a number of key individuals.

Meanwhile, the exhibition has evoked good response from trade visitors and a majority of participating exhibitors have expressed their satisfaction at the response and sales leads generated.

Eva-Maria Casagrande, Managing Director of Muhldorfer Gmbh & Co, a German-based manufacturer of bedding accessories, said:

'I have seen very qualitative flow of trade visitors from various companies in the UAE. Abu Dhabi is a very important market for us and we look forward to meeting some prospective clients during the show. I am surprised at the amount of sales enquiries that I have had so far. I have met buyers from the whole of Middle East'.

Similar views were expressed by Tamim Walid Kouzayha from Today Light Trading LLC, which deals in chandeliers and other lighting equipment from Spain and Italy, said: 'The response has been very encouraging and we have generated a lot of quality sales leads during the first two days of the show. I am looking forward to such shows which help us exhibit our products to the regional trade audience'.

Mohammed Ayub from Kludi RAK, which specializes in interiors market, said: 'It is too early to gauge the kind of business we can generate from Interiors UAE. We have received some enquiries and we think it is a good platform for the regional interiors sector, given the growth potential across the Middle East'.

Cathy Oates, Business Development Director, CMP Information, said: 'Interiors UAE showcases Abu Dhabi's potential in the interiors sector, especially in view of the large-scale development under way in the city. Interiors UAE is exploring and celebrating the vision of Abu Dhabi as the most-sought-after destination across various spheres, including interiors and we are happy with the response generated'.

In his comments, Mr Justin Boutros, Managing Director of Channels Exhibitions, said: 'With such strong participation from various parts of the world, we are happy that Interiors UAE has become the melting pot for new business opportunities. It has enabled many regional companies to have direct one-stop access to retail operators, buyers, and distributors'.

With a booming market of residential and commercial spaces, coupled with an attractive retail market, the 2008 interiors market is expected to exceed a staggering $2.7bn (Dhs9.85bn) with Abu Dhabi fast becoming a commercial hub for the region, connecting East with West.

Interiors UAE aims to meet this ever-growing demand for furnishing in the UAE and region.

The exhibition showcases a diverse product and brand mix, bringing the interiors sector to the forefront and focusing on the unmatched business opportunities in the offing.