$1.8bn worth of new projects trigger surge in demand for carpets and flooring solutions in Lebanon

Over $1.8bn worth of mega-construction projects were launched in 2009 alone, including blocks of elegant, upscale residential and commercial buildings as well as several premium hotel developments.

The construction boom has in turn boosted demand for interior design solutions covering all flooring requirements of construction projects, which on average make up between 15 to 20% of the total project value. Domotex Middle East will showcase a complete range of carpets and floor coverings including hand-made and machine-made carpets; textile and resilient floor coverings; parquet and other wood floors; laminates; floors for sports arenas and sports facilities; fibres, yarns and textiles; application and floor laying techniques and equipment; machinery and technology; ceramic tiles, natural stone floors and marble floors.

The event will be held from 10-12 May 2010 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC).

Angela Schaschen, Managing Director, Deutsche Messe Dubai Branch, organizers of the event, said:

"The price per square meter of property in Lebanon has been estimated to have increased by up to 50% in the first half of 2009, a growth trend that analysts expect to be sustained for the next five years. The healthy demand for property has in turn triggered the boom in construction projects, including luxury real estate developments such as 5-star hotels and high-rise commercial towers, which has subsequently boosted the demand for premium-quality carpets and flooring solutions in Lebanon. Domotex Middle East will complement the improving business outlook in Lebanon by providing developers and buyers a convenient networking platform to discuss new projects with leading international and regional brands and specialists in flooring solutions."

Domotex Middle East is targeting wholesalers and retailers in the carpet and floor coverings sector as well as decision-makers from construction companies, architects, interior designers, project planners, floor layers and fitters.

Domotex Middle East is expected to build on the momentum generated by Domotex Hannover 2010, which was held from 16th to 19th January 2010. Domotex Hannover reported a substantial rise in attendance with some 40,000 professionals visiting the event and a total of 1,395 exhibiting companies from over 70 countries. This year's participation represented a 12% growth in visitor attendance while exhibitor numbers have remained steady. The positive turnout has ensured the continued success of Domotex Hannover in spite of the tough global economic conditions and has given the industry the momentum for sustained growth in the coming year.