Rapidly expanding lighting sector to feature strongly at Index 2006

"It's a highly positive period for the interiors industry," said Kim Willis, Group Exhibition Director, dmg world media Dubai, organisers of the Index exhibition, one of the world's most significant international events for the interiors industry. "The increase in private ownership means that private individuals are spending more on the decoration and furnishing of their homes, and this is stimulating sales across all aspects of the interiors sector."

The long term success of Index, which this year stages its 16th annual showcase of the very best in furniture and interior design, is based on the event's focus on product areas that have relevance and appeal. Already very strong in textiles, furniture, wallcoverings and flooring, areas that have helped establish the show's international reputation, lighting is the latest sector to be expanded.

"From being a mere necessity, lighting is now increasingly used to create effects and atmosphere - this is true for both the commercial and residential sectors,"

added Willis. "The range of products available has grown massively to meet demand, and with the role of lighting becoming an integral part of home décor, people are looking for new ideas and innovations - Index 2006 will address this with the region's biggest and brightest showcase of lighting ideas and innovations."

Specially designed to give specifiers, architects and designers access to the latest designs and concepts from the world's leading lighting companies, Index 2006 will be an illuminating and inspiring experience for the region's interiors industry. As to be expected from such a show, exhibitors are extremely established and many hail from Austria, a country reputed for its high quality and individualised range of lighting products. Kraus KG, 'The Jeweller of Lighting', has been an authority on decorative lighting for half a century and specialises in crystal chandeliers which are produced entirely by hand. KNY Design, another Austrian company, supplies individual designs and created the biggest ceiling light ever built for Quasr Al Alam, Muscat, Oman.

"The Gulf region continues to demonstrate strong growth," said Bernard Walsh, Managing Director of dmg world media Dubai. "Imports into are already worth over US$4.1 billion, and are set to grow even further as the residential property market reacts to the long-awaited, positive ownership legislation. This will stimulate increased interest in interiors, which will in turn result in the growth and expansion of Index - the industry's leading showcase and an essential visit for anyone involved in the interiors industry."

The traditional strength of Index is its unique product profile, which makes it a true one-stop for industry professionals. From floor to ceiling, the comprehensive range of interiors essentials on show grows every year, and with 20% additional floor space to be available at Dubai International Exhibition Centre this year, the scope to create additional focus areas is greatly enhanced.

"Once again, we are expecting to stage the largest ever Index this year," added Willis. "Based on the response to other product focus sectors, we are also confident that the response to the dedicated interior lighting area will be highly positive and that exhibitors and visitors will find that it of great benefit."

"Index 2006 will also, as the result of increased floorspace availability, feature many more companies, which will expand the range and diversity of products on show as well as the event's global profile as the definitive showcase for the interiors industry in the Middle East and North Africa."

Index 2006, the 16th International Middle East Furniture And Interior Design Exhibition, takes place from 7-11 November 2006 at Dubai International Exhibition Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.