First ever display of Mongolian art to be shown at Index 2005

Adding to the visual extravaganza at Index this year will be the Mongolian Art Gallery, exhibiting for the first time here in Dubai and the first Mongolian company to book space at Index. Elizabeth Koppa, founder of the gallery, will showcase 86 of the best Mongolian artists and display over 200 paintings on the stand. "Mongolian art is unique in the art world," Koppa comments, "it is very rare for collectors and art lovers, being profound and unusually beautiful. The nature of this remote country is reflected in a colour pallete like no other and due to the fact that there are as many horses as inhabitants, a large part of the collection is made up of paintings on this subject".

Following recovery from breast cancer earlier this year, Ms Koppa became involved in charity work and contacted young Mongolian artists in need of a sponsor. She now represents some of the best painters in Mongolia on an international basis and later this year will also run a national competition in Mongolia for the best painting of the year.

On the Mongolian Gallery stand, along with an array of paintings, there will be sculptures and antique horse accessories on display, as well as a catalogue of larger paintings that can be ordered and delivered after the show. Prices range from US$1,000 up to US$150,000. "With all the ongoing construction in Dubai, plus visitors and residents from all over the world, I am convinced that interior designers, galleries and visitors alike will find my stand, C330, very interesting." added Koppa.

Ms Koppa is also keen to support charity groups and is working on a charity project of her own, "Rainbow the Centre of Future", for homeless children, the aim of which is to provide shelter for up to 500 children. She will also be assisting a local charity for disabled children here in Dubai, by donating two portraits of the Al Maktoum family painted in Mongolia.

Index, which will cover over 30,000 square feet of floor space at Dubai International Exhibition Centre, is completely sold out - the exhibition will house a complete range of interiors products, with something of interest for every visitor.

Internationally acknowledged as one of the most important interiors events anywhere in the world, Index will be attended by architects, specifiers and designers from all over the globe

"The Gulf region continues to expand at a phenomenal rate - imports into the region are currently worth in excess of US$4.1 billion, and the incredible pace of residential and commercial property development throughout the region, which is set to increase yet further, there will continue to be significant growth in imports of furniture and interiors," said Kim Willis of organisers dmg world media Dubai Ltd. "Index therefore continues to grow, both in terms of size and significance to the regional and international interiors industry."

Index 2005 runs for five days at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, from 28 November to 2 December and fills all eight halls plus the Sheikh Rashid Hall, Al Multaqua Hall, The Pavilion and The Marquee.