Student pavilion at Index 2005 showcases talented winners of the Al Habtoor Young Designer Award

Sponsored and run for the third consecutive year by Al Habtoor Interiors, the original concept of the stand was to make it possible for the interior design departments of local universities to participate at the show.

This year the stand is bigger and better than ever, and as well as providing separate booths for three key universities to offer advice on courses and showcase local projects, it also includes a fully constructed version of the winning room which was submitted as part of the Al Habtoor Young Designer competition.

Students Hessa Al-Attar, Shaima Ahmad and Shamsa Lootah made up the winning team from Zayed University and beat classsmates and rival universities with their design for a contemporary hotel room. Zayed University entered three teams in total led by Professor Omid Rouhani.

Ghassan Al Chaer, General Manager of Al Habtoor Interiors, presented cheques to the winning team and the runners up, Team 1 from Abu Dhabi University. A panel of specialists from the design industry including John Carolan of KCA International Designers and Graeme Anderson of HLA judged the entries along with key members of the Al Habtoor management team.

"The quality of entries was exceptional and there were many areas of expertise in evidence amongst the entrants," said Al Chaer. "This in itself is a clear indication of the up and coming talent being developed in the UAE - it is part of our commitment at Al Habtoor to encourage this talent in the younger generation and to bridge the gap between the educational institute and the workplace."

There is also the opportunity this year for local and international employers to find and hire talented UAE students, and a form is available for companies to register their interest and possible future manpower requirements. Al Chaer is keen to encourage local companies to meet students on the stand and to develop stronger ties with universities. "There is a need for greater knowledge of the finished product and materials," he said, "students need to have a better understanding of what will work in reality." To this end, Al Habtoor hope to include a training course in the winners' package next year.

Bernard Walsh, Managing Director of dmg world media Dubai Ltd., was on hand to congratulate the winners and endorse the initiative, saying

"dmg are delighted to support the student pavilion which could not have been achieved without the generosity and commitment of Al Habtoor Interiors - it is important that those of us in the industry encourage the new generation and it's fantastic to be able to give them the opportunity to take part in a world class event, such as Index, at the beginning of their careers."

Index has been welcoming students from abroad, in particular the UK, for over ten years now, and is the ideal environment for students to meet manufacturers from around the world - over the years, many graduates have found employment through their visits to Index.

Taking place for the 15th year, Index, the leading event for architects, specifiers and designers from the Gulf region's ever expanding market is one of the world's most respected meeting places for professionals in the furniture, interior design and shopfitting industries and attracts contractors, developers, importers, agents, distributors, manufacturers and retailers plus public and commercial buyers from around the globe.

More than 1,500 exhibitors from over 50 countries are featured, providing an overwhelming choice when it comes to sourcing products for any kind of interiors project or locating business prospects for representation and agencies. Over 30,000 square feet of floor space, crammed to capacity, offers opportunities at every turn. Internationally acknowledged as one of the most important interiors events anywhere in the world, this is one exhibition that anyone involved in the industry cannot afford to miss.