Projected to be 20% larger this year, Index 2006 to offer even stronger sector focus

"Last year's show was the largest exhibition ever staged at Dubai's International Exhibition Centre, covering a net total of 30,495 square metres," said Kim Willis, Group Exhibition Director at dmg in Dubai. "Index completely filled all available space, reinforcing its position as the most prestigious and largest exhibition in the Middle East - however, due to space restrictions, we were unable to accommodate all the companies and national pavilions that wanted to take part. It's great news, both for us and our exhibitors, that additional space is available this year."

Over the years, the strength of Index has been the focus it places on key areas of the interiors industry - this includes furniture, flooring, lighting, textiles, wall covering and accessories. Having placed great importance on developing the show to make it a true "one-stop" for architects, designers and specifiers, the focus will be further enhanced.

"The development of residential real estate continues to expand across the region, with more properties under development and ownership becoming easier - this will stimulate further growth of the interiors sector from both the private and commercial sectors." added Willis.

Billions of dollars in investment have been committed to the real estate sector in recent weeks. Riffa Views, the 900-home real estate development in Bahrain, has opened up to international investors, who will also receive residency rights. The first release of 81 villas is due to be completed by the first quarter of 2008, with further releases to be announced during 2006.

Elsewhere, expatriates in Ras Al Khaimah will be allowed to own freehold property provided they have a company in the RAK Free Zone - earlier decrees had already allowed expatriates to own freehold property in designated projects, but this latest decision is seen as a move to encourage investment in the Emirate.

"Given the dynamic nature of the real estate sector and the positive long-term projections for the industry throughout the Middle East, all the indications are that the interiors industry is set to enjoy a period of intensive growth," said Bernard Walsh, Managing Director of dmg world media Dubai.

"By further developing the focus areas of the event, we intend to increase its value to the high quality audience of key decision makers who depend on Index to show a totally comprehensive range of inspirational designs, products and technologies that will be an integral part of properties throughout the region."

31,140 trade visitors attended the show in 2005, and saw the region's biggest ever interiors industry showcase, with exhibitors from 56 countries, 1,251 stands representing 1,443 companies and 30 national and regional groups.

Feedback from exhibitors and visitors was enthusiastic, and many bookings for the 2006 show have already been received. Mark Nesbitt of Tree Locate from the UK said "It's been fascinating - a real learning curve. We've got a lot of leads to follow up, not just people from this area, but from as far away as the Honduras and Mongolia. It's a fantastic place to come, there's a lot of development."

Tanzo Design, another UK-based company, also met their objectives in exhibiting. "The show's been great, " said Ibrahim Dualeh. "We came here predominantly to find specifiers and contract workers. We're really happy with the show. We've seen a real cross section of visitors, from general managers and heads of companies, right down to retailers and people from the Lebanon, Turkey and China."

The 16th Index Exhibition, the definitive showcase for the interiors industry in the Middle East and North Africa, takes place from 7-11 November 2006 at Dubai International Exhibition Centre.