Strong demand for world-class office solutions highlighted at the Office Exhibition

Now in its eighth year, The Office Exhibition was officially opened at Hall 8 in the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre by HE Dr. Hanif Hassan Al Qassimi, Minister of Education.

Dr Hanif Hassan was accompanied by Exhibition Director Sinead Bridgett of dmg world media, as he toured the exhibition, talking to representatives from office design, supply and manufacturing companies, and viewing the industry's latest technology and office solutions.

Bridgett said:

"With large amounts of construction projects now reaching completion and the commercial sector still expanding, companies are in need of bigger workspaces. Furthermore, growth in the public sector has shown a steep rise in fit-outs and refurbishments across the region, including schools, hospitals and universities."

Testament to the strong demand in the Middle East for world-class office designs and furniture, this year's event saw sales grow by 60% compared to last year, with total exhibition space increasing by 5,000 square metres.

Organised by dmg world media, the three-day event has attracted major office design and manufacturing companies including Estel Office SpA, B&B Italia, Vitra International AG, Unifor SpA, Allsteel - HNI International, Herman Miller, Frezza SpA, Steelcase and Al Shamsi to showcase innovative office product designs and services.

"The Office Exhibition, now the biggest office design and fit-out show in the Middle East, provides an essential platform for local and international companies to develop new contacts and generate business within the region," said Bridgett.

Running alongside the exhibition, the brand new Office Talks seminar also commenced today, with industry experts addressing key topics such as sustainability, workplace health and productivity and facilities management.

The seminar opened with presentations by Stewart Brown, President, Independent Freight International on 'leveraging logistics power' and Mick Dalton, General Manager,

Marafeq FM who outlined the added-value services that best practice FM companies can deliver.

The second session included a presentation by Allan Smith, Vice President of European Marketing, Research and Development, Steelcase International on 'Designing for sustainability and competitive advantage'.

Visitors to tomorrow's seminar will see presentations by Jeffrey Bernett, B&B Italia on 'the elegance of work', Marjin van der Poll, Lead Designer at Marjin van der Poll/North, on 'Dutch Design' and Keri Luly, Sustainability Program Manager at Allsteel, on 'sustainability and the productive workplace'.

Also attracting interest from exhibitors and visitors was the Loft Student Design Competition. Interior design students from the American University in Dubai submitted competition entries last month in the hope of winning an educational trip to Italy. The entries will be judged live at the exhibition, by Italian architect Sergio Lion, Managing Director, Frezza SpA and four winners will be announced.