Exclusive deals and unique products secure Ambiente's position as the definitive lifestyle and interiors exhibition

The show saw several interior consultants and design professionals looking to source and commission unique installations and turnkey projects. The event also drew private home-owners seeking one-of-a-kind lighting and interiors accessories, high-end design products, and art.

"Dubai is witnessing rapid growth in residential and commercial property, making this an exciting time for a design-led show such as Ambiente Arabia. The show provided a showcase of new design developments to visitors as well as offered international exhibitors an opportunity to learn about the needs and tastes of the local market," said Geoffrey Booy, Exhibitions Director of IIR Middle East, organisers of the show.

Commented Karin-Beate Phillips, founder of the British European Design Group (BEDG) which featured 20 top designers and artists from the UK, "Coming to Ambiente Arabia and Dubai was both a learning and inspiring experience for us. The city's multi-cultural character and fast-paced developments are creating an evolution of tastes - contemporary against traditional, and I can foresee vibrant changes in design and interiors in the near future."

BEDG's contemporary artists elicited interest from the local Arab population and expatriates alike. Visitors expressed interest in the clean simple lines of designer Neil Musson's 'tripod' lights and Michael Ruh's glassware. "This heralds a return to the roots of simplicity and we are happy to inspire and re-create an awareness for such design,"added Phillips.

Designer Finn Stone's entire collection of contemporary chairs was sold out to a private buyer from Lebabon, along with Neil Musson's 'tripod' light installations and Amanda Brisbane's glassware collection.

Angela McGlinchey, General Manager of Global Furniture Solutions was also delighted with the interest in her Elements and Noosa brands of garden furniture and accessories. "We met with potential dsitribution partners from KSA, Bahrain and Qatar for the furniture range and a distributor in Oman for accessories. Off the stand sales by private buyers were also high,'' she said.

The JML Group, the retail company behind exclusive brands such as Emilio Robba flowers, Hughes Chevalier furniture and D.Porthault linen also had a successful show. Commented Dan Eugen Gherghescu, "The JML Group caters to a niche audience, namely palaces, 5 star hotels and luxury homes and Ambiente helped us build more awareness for our brands. We met with several potential corporate and private buyers, and are very happy with the response to our products."

Another exhibitor, Ihab Salem of El Alfy, manufacturers of hand-made marble carvings from Egypt, conducted deals worth 150,000 AED with trade buyers from the UAE and Europe.

Networking was also high on the agenda as the event brought together design professionals from several countries as well as design students from the local universities in Dubai. "Judging from the positive feedback and vibrant 'buzz' at the show, we can confidently say that Ambiente Arabia has secured its position as the premier event for the interiors and design sectors in the region," concluded Booy.

Ambiente Arabia 206 will be held from 11 to 14 April, 2006.