Participants at The Office Exhibition in 2011 stand to tap into $761bn worth of active projects across GCC

According to Jones Lang LaSalle, the world's leading real estate advisory firm, Dubai has the fastest growing occupied office market in the world on a per capita basis when calculated on net absorption between 2008 and 2010. Add to that an estimated $761bn worth of active commercial real estate projects across the GCC and the outlook for interior refurbishment and fit-out work appears positive.

Against this backdrop, organisers of The Office Exhibition - being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 17th to 19th May - have added several new features to ensure the 2011 show offers the best business, networking and education platform for the region's architecture and design community.

Recognising that content is king, The Office Exhibition has appointed the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) as official knowledge partner in 2011. Under the agreement IIDA will run the industry conference 'Dubai Design Summit', oversee judging of 'The Office Awards' and chair the invitation-only 'Design Executive Roundtable'. It is the first time IIDA has partnered with a Middle East trade event and follows increasing regional demand to access international design expertise.

"There are significant opportunities for interior design projects across the Middle East and we are seeing some fantastic, innovative work come out of these countries. Our partnership with The Office Exhibition enables us to nurture this amazing regional talent while elevating the profession to the level it warrants," said Cheryl Durst, Executive Vice President and CEO of IIDA.

Heading into its 10th year, The Office Exhibition has developed into the most important industry platform for office fit-outs and commercial interior design. Over the years The Office Exhibition has played a pioneering role in educating the region about the importance of good office design to business success.

In addition to knowledge exchange, the 2011 show promises to be a source of inspiration and innovation. Next year sees the return of some of the biggest names in office furniture and design - another indication of renewed confidence in the Middle East office design market. More than 60% of exhibition floor space has already been sold with the new USA pavilion occupying the largest area. For the first time there will be country pavilions for Canada, China, Scandinavia and Malaysia and, throughout the three-day event, some 350 new products will be launched.

Offering exhibitors highly targeted brand exposure and direct access to real business opportunities across the Middle East, The Office Exhibition 2011 is set to attract stronger attendance from regional specifiers, architects, designers as well as senior business decision makers. In 2011 the show will run alongside the region's leading hospitality event, The Hotel Show and facilities management trade show, FM Expo. Organisers say co-location is part of a synergistic expansion strategy to broaden the focus of the three shows while driving additional footfall.

"The interior design industry is operating in a very different business climate and so our priority in 2011 is to ensure The Office Exhibition reflects the new business environment - one which is perfectly placed to match market opportunities to market demand," said David Wilson, Event Director of The Office Exhibition.

"The Office Exhibition serves as a gateway to the regional architecture and design community. It is the ideal platform to discover new products, keep abreast of industry trends and network with your peers. We are bringing together the market leaders in office design. Not only that, we are also providing a whole range of educational opportunities and will tell you why a perfect office design matters to your business. Well designed office environments are no longer a nice-to-have; they impact staff, their productivity and ultimately the bottom line," he added.