Mid East world's fourth largest carpet manufacturer

'European volume manufacturers have been suffering for the last decade and saw the majority of their low end products shifting eastwards. Today, the European consolidation trend adds only up to this effect,' said Luc Blommaert, Sales & Marketing Director, Mattex International, which has its regional headquarters in Dubai and a manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia.

'The Middle East has become a gravity point in the global carpet manufacturing industry. Good worldwide distribution channels from Dubai, Jebel Ali and Jeddah ports, combined with low energy and labour costs, as well as the availability of raw materials and the power to invest, give the region a competitive edge. It also allows its market share to grow in a healthy way.'

Further evidence of regional industry growth comes as nearly a third of exhibitors confirmed for DOMOTEX Middle East, the specialised event for carpets and all floor coverings which debuts in Dubai this month, hail from within the region.

'This year's debut event already has many of the foremost regional carpets and flooring companies confirmed, including Abu Dhabi National Carpet, Al Sorayiah from Saudi Arabia and Iran's Miri Carpet. Regional heavyweights from Egypt, Jordan, Iran, Lebanon and throughout the Gulf will line up at the show alongside exhibitors from over 30 countries and pavilions from four nations including the U.S, Belgium, Croatia and India,' said Angela Schaschen, Managing Director of Messe Middle East, the regional cooperation partner of DOMOTEX Middle East.

The show, which runs at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 28-30, is already well established in Hannover and China.

'The event will have enormous opportunities for regional players with new-to-market products and market entrants looking for Middle East representation, joint ventures and direct sales,' added Schaschen.

DOMOTEX Middle East is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and Chairman of the Emirates Group and with the official support of the UAE Contractors Association.