IIR Exhibitions opens two lifestyle shows today

"Motexha and Ambiente are two very important trade events for the retailing sector. They have continued to grow in size and revenue with each successive year and secure a large number of international exhibitors, which has strengthened Dubai's position as a sourcing hub for traders. The Dubai Chamber of Commerce is happy to lend its support to organisers and exhibitors to make their participation easier," said H.E Abdul Rahman Al Mutaiwee, Director General, Dubai Chamber of Commerce.

MOTEXHA Spring trade show for fashion, textile and leather industry (Halls 1& 2)
Suman Manian, Show Manager, MOTEXHA comments, "This year, we have an impressive line-up of over 250 international for leather, textile and fashion brands where 80 per cent are new to the Middle East, and keen to set up operations here. MOTEXHA, with its constant focus on keeping abreast of changing trends has grown and evolved in to the most important trade event for manufacturers, distributors and retailers present or interested in doing business in the Middle East region."

This year, the show will feature daily 'LaunchPad' trade fashion shows for top European and other brands seeking Middle East partnerships.

LaunchPad will feature brands such as Com8 Urban fashion from France, Calonge, manufacturers of unique leather bags, Brazil One Sportswear from Brazil and JBS who are launching their swimwear line. Other exhibitors taking to the catwalk include Alenza and Piklik.

Turkey, a regular at MOTEXHA with several leather brands is, for the first time, bringing in premium fashion brands to the show's 'PURE' branded wear area. Turkey is a huge fashion producer with fabrics and styles that transfer well to the Middle East and tropical markets. Textile and apparel exports from Turkey grew to US$ 4.05 billion for the first four months of 2004 according to the State Statistics Institute, representing a 20 per cent year-on-year increase.

Hong Kong, the world's second largest garment exporter has confirmed its biggest participation ever. The show will also see its first Indonesian pavilion with 10 clothing and leather companies with the support of NAFED, the National Agency for Export Development, while Portugal are coming back to the show through APICCAPS, the Portuguese Footwear, Components and Leather Goods Manufacturer's Association.

The EuroTrendz pavilion will also feature Lloyd high fashion branded men's shoes and Larioseta, exclusive distributor for Moschino, Iceberg and Les Copains, Pret a Porter Italian ladies footwear, Otto Streissing shawls, scarves and ties from Austria and S&M, a French group who manufacture accessories for garments, shoes, handbags , lingerie and home decoration.

Pakistan has also confirmed its biggest ever participation. The UAE is Pakistan's second largest global trading partner.

Ambiente Arabia 2005 gifts and homeware trade exhibition (Hall 3):

Several European and UAE-based lifestyle and interiors brands will debut at Ambiente Arabia 2005. The show will also feature several of the most influential contemporary designers and artists in the UK today, under the British European Design Group (BEDG) 'Visions of Beauty' Pavilion. The artists will be selling exclusive design-led products, and are available for commissions and projects at the show. BEDG's artists will also be holding free daily seminars on a wide range of topics including Glass & Ceramics, Wall & Floor Coverings, Home Textiles and Lighting.

Geoffrey Booy, Exhibitions Director of IIR Middle East, comments, "Following the current boom in residential property sales, Ambiente Arabia offers design industry professionals and home owners a never-before opportunity to view, purchase or commission unique interior accessories right here in Dubai. The event is a comprehensive showcase of designers, artists, and home-ware and interiors accessories brands from across the world where 80 per cent of the brands at the show are new to the Middle East."
U.A.E. based Desert River, distributors of high-quality European lighting and electrical products will be showcasing the KlikOnKlikOff wireless switching system range from the Netherlands. Lighting exhibitors also include LMW Lighting from Germany one of the oldest chandelier and luster manufacturers and Studio Design D of Poland, creators of modern and classic Swarovski Strass Crystal chandeliers with LED Systems.

Also making his first Middle East appearance is Austrian artist Michael Ferner Renowned for his special technique - Ferner blows ink on delicate Milanese paper with his mouth into different shapes and then fills in with water colours - Ferner is keen to sign up with art galleries in the region. The artist will also be retailing his original paintings, prints and postcards at the show.