The Dubai construction boom has resulted in the Emirate's furniture market being considered one of the most important in the world, with imports showing an annual growth of 24%. This is set against a regional trend, which is seeing an excess of over 2,500 existing and planned projects in the GCC worth over US $1.2 trillion. With this in mind it can be argued that the Middle East region is one of the most important markets in the world for companies involved in the interiors sector.
On the back of this, this year's Index was the Middle East's largest ever interiors show covering over 35,000 m² net and filling all the available hall space at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. In total 1,690 companies from 56 countries exhibited, including 35 major country pavilions. Although not as busy as previous years, put down by many exhibitors to the fact that this year's event fell over a weekend, the exhibition was still a huge success drawing all the major players of the region and some from oversees to showcase their goods under one roof.
The overriding theme seemed to focus on classically styled furniture with complex lines, while wood in all its forms was notable for its popularity. Wallcoverings veering towards modern metallic schemes were on display, while textiles were brightly coloured with heavy textures.
Show stealers this year came in the form of Prague-based Sans Souci's 18kg red sculpture, which was the largest single piece of cast glass at Index and took a year to create. The other was the ultra modern Hi-Can bed from Deta. Complete with surround sound, internet access, and projector screen, the bed can be customised to any size, can be made out of any material and can have as many or as few functions as required. The Italian furniture company returned to Index following its first venture into the Middle East market in 2005.
General manager, Ivan Tallarico explained his decision for returning: "This is a massive market and a lucrative one to break into. So it makes sense to come here. It's also beneficial to see how your products are viewed from a local perspective, how they should be changed to appeal more to this region. Plus you also get a better position here as there are less large companies vying for space."
New launches at this year's event included a range of lighting from Gallery Vetri d'Arte. Zahir, Several and Royal, designed by the Tea Group, Renato Gambato and Marina Toscano respectively, highlight the wide spectrum of styles the Italian company has at its disposal.
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