Middle East's largest interiors, furnishing & design exhibition, Index 2004, opens today

The exhibition was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister.

Bernard Walsh, Managing Director of dmg world media Dubai Ltd, Index said, "We are exceptionally happy that His Highness was able to join us today, and did us the great honour of opening Index 2004. His attendance has immense significance for us and demonstrates to exhibitors and visitors alike that this is a renowned event of International standards."

Dubai's Index exhibition is known as one of the most esteemed and principal events of its kind in the Middle East. It is a business highlight in the Middle East's Furniture & Interiors calendar, providing an indispensable rendezvous for the region's architects, interior designers, contractors, developers, public & commercial buyers, importers, agents, distributors, manufacturers and retailers. Held annually at the state-of-the-art Dubai International Exhibition and Conference Centre (DIECC) complex

Dubai's 14th annual Furniture, Interior Design Exhibition, is set to welcome a record number of exhibitors as well as show visitors.

At Index, industry professionals can find all they need in the areas of:

• Furniture
• Fabrics
• Flooring
• Lighting
• Wall coverings & window products
• Interior architecture
• Interior design services
• Machinery & Components
• Display and signage

The Index exhibition can expect to continue attracting leading exhibitors and national pavilions and sustain an increase in the volume of visitors, in an industry that is one of the largest contributors to Middle East Trade. dmg World Media Dubai Ltd. consistently responds to its customers demands, ensuring that visitors and exhibitors return to a polished exhibition package time and time again. Each year Index increases it's international diversification with new companies and national representatives, the event provides an unparalleled forum for making contacts and establishing business agents in some of the world's most rewarding markets.

For industry visitors and specialists alike this year, INDEX 2004 provides three dedicated product sectors clearly definable in the halls, aimed at creating easier timesaving, and more targeted access.

Arabshop@Index is set to feature manufacturers, contractors and architects showing their specialities in retail and leisure design, as well as fitting out shops and retail outlets. Arabshop will feature a vast array of concepts including shop fittings and retail spaces. Arabshop also design museums and equip cinema and theatre centres. Combined with INDEX 2004 this will ensure that the event offers high quality contract products, such as flooring, wall coverings and lighting as well as a wide range of furniture and specialised products for various environments.

Furniture Production@Index features a wide range of international suppliers of machinery, components and QEM products. With the manufacturing and contracting industry in the region being one of the most important markets for suppliers, the products on show at INDEX 2004 are set to answer the needs of a truly sophisticated market.

Textiles@Index will provide visitors the opportunity to see how fabrics and textiles have always been a major component of the exhibition. For all designers and retailers alike it is an incredible opportunity to discover all of the latest trends and source the latest and widest range of decorative contract and upholstery fabrics for their clients.

Index is also a local forum for Furnishing and Interiors professionals. Although a wide choice of international suppliers ensures local developers are acquainted with the latest in products and trends, Index is also an arena for local exhibitors, who wish to showcase products to their essential regional markets.

The event
• Index 2004 will be held at the DIECC between Wednesday 22nd - Sunday 26th September 2004.
• The show will be officially inaugurated at 10.00 am, Wednesday 22nd and will be open all day until 7pm.
• Opening hours Thursday and Sunday are 9.30-1pm and 5-9pm.
• On Friday 24th, the exhibition will be closed during the morning session and open from 5-9pm.
• The first day of the exhibition and successive mornings will be exclusively reserved for Interior Design professionals, traders, buyers and specifiers. There is no charge for trade visitors.
• Evening session are open to the public. Entrance tickets are AED 20.