Interiors event INDEX provides the ideal forum for local and regional furniture craft companies

Statistics from PCFC, the Department of Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, show that both imports and re-exports of all types of timber into the region are running at an all time high.

Due to the UAE's traditional industry of dhow building, there has always been a significant trade in the shipping of teak from India for use in boat hulls and keels. However, in recent years, as a result of the country's tremendous growth in new properties and a move away from concrete and tiles, wood is now sourced from all over the world. Figures from PCFC estimate that in 2005 wood imports grew by 34%, reaching Dhs5.2bn and more recent reports state that wood imports to the UAE have grown by 100% over the past two years.

One such company to benefit from this upsurge in traditional crafts is Thomas & McQuaid, who produce bespoke hand carved doors from their workshops in Ras Al Khamiah. Owner Thomas Jain says 'I feel that due to the rapid growth in construction in this market, most companies are looking at the big projects and overlooking the smaller jobs that require specialist craftsman and traditional techniques.' Based on this, Jain started up his business over two years ago and is now designing and producing exquisite doors for homes and mosques across the Emirates.

Jain is however not new to the business of woodcarving. His family has run a factory and showrooms in India for 40 years and thus he has a wealth of knowledge to draw from for his business here in the UAE. He now employs a team of 21 staff who work on individual, custom made designs inspired from traditional Islamic art such as that found in the ancient mosques of Syria and Iraq as well as examples of antique woodworking from Europe.

Following the set up of Thomas & McQuaid in 2005, Jain took at small stand at INDEX in 2006 and he has continued to exhibit at the show since. 'INDEX is the only exposure we have had for the business', he says. 'The stand last year was full of people all the time and we gained lots of contacts. As far as we are concerned it provides fantastic exposure and exactly what you need in Dubai. There is no need to go anywhere else.'

Thomas & McQuaid has worked on several mosque projects, including the Al Awir mosque, as well as private villas across the UAE and also in Oman. Although doors are the primary product, the company also produces staircases, ceilings and partitions and designs are individually tailored based on the style of the building and the lifestyle of its inhabitants. All the pieces are custom made using premium quality hardwood such as Burma Teak and mahogany, and the team of skilled artisans combines traditional woodworking techniques with the latest technology.

'Companies like Thomas & McQuaid prove that INDEX is the right forum for small and medium businesses,' says Kim Willis, Exhibition Development Director of dmg world media. 'It is companies such as these that provide the intricate detail in any interior, adding unique and inspirational elements that are tailored to fit a specific space and environment. We are confident that with such exhibitors on board we can add substance and variety to the design market place here in the Middle East. At INDEX the traditional sits along side the cutting edge, offering a uniquely comprehensive showcase of every type of interior product, service and furnishing.'

As the region's premier interiors event, Index's international reputation has been built on its effectiveness in opening up avenues to new markets and providing a second to none visitor base made up of architects, specifiers, designers and collectors from around the Gulf. Expanding the range of furniture products on offer will deliver even more choice and inspiration, adding to the already diverse selection of eye-catching interior solutions provided at the show.

INDEX, the Middle East's International Furniture and Interior Design Exhibition, this year celebrates 18 successful years and takes place from 3 - 7 December 2008 at Dubai International Exhibition Centre.