World's 'fit-out' industry descends on Dubai

While there may be some slowing down over the coming years in major new projects, there are still record breaking contracts across the GCC countries for the fit-out of commercial and residential buildings, hotels, retail outlets and mixed-use developments reaching completion next year, according to Kim Willis, Index exhibition director.

"Budgets for the interior fit out of buildings reaching completion next year and in 2010 continue to show there is still tremendous demand for residential, contract and public furniture"

she said.

Naturally that encompasses flooring and wall coverings, lighting and art, accessories and window products, textiles, ceramics, kitchen and bathroom furniture and interior design services," added Willis.

Index 2008 takes place at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre between Wednesday 3rd and Sunday 7th December 2008 and is expecting in excess of 35,000 visitors over the five days. Nearly 1,700 companies from 56 countries took part in last year's show, including 35 major country pavilions.

Talented young interior designers in the United Arab Emirates have been given the opportunity to break into the big time at Index which is hosting the winners of Al Habtoor Interiors' Young Designers Award on a special stand that will include a mock up of the winning entry.

In another regional first, Index will be displaying the best of product design from the Red Dot Museum in Essen, Germany. The red dot on a product signifies high quality, outstanding design and functionality.

Introduced at the recently concluded BIG 5 construction trade fair, Index organisers are repeating the successful "park-and-ride" scheme to reduce traffic congestion around the event. In addition to the normal car parks at the venue, the event will be served by additional car parks around Dubai with buses linking them to the centre. Special buses will link with hotels in Sheikh Zayed Road and major shopping malls.