UAE and France forge strong alliance

Ninety companies are taking part in the French Pavilion at Index 2008 compared with 53 in 2007 and 43 in 2006.

UAE-France bilateral trade is currently in excess of $6bn with 80% made up of imports from France. Furniture, fittings and interior design products and services make up a significant proportion, according to the French Trade Commission, the pavilion organisers

"With both the Sorbonne and the Louvre locating here, art and design is increasingly important in the growing cultural and business relationship between France and the UAE," said a commission spokesman. "France wants to share the best of its design with the people of the UAE and the Arab world.

"The aim of the French pavilion is to reinforce professional contacts and provide new business opportunities between the French companies and the UAE as well as other Gulf and Middle East countries," he added.

"We are delighted by the high level of French participation in Index," said Bernard Walsh, Managing Director of dmg world media Dubai, the show organisers. "Year after year, Index keeps attracting an increasing number of suppliers from all over the world."

The world's major suppliers of furniture, fixtures and fittings are taking part in Index at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. Nearly 1800 companies from 60 countries are exhibiting in this year's event, which runs until Sunday 7 December 2008.

Index 2008 is open each day to professionals and trade visitors and from Thursday 4 December the show is open to the general public after 5 pm for an entrance fee. There is a special evening opening from 5-10 pm on Friday 5 December.