Bright ideas and innovations take centre stage as Index 2006, the Middle East’s largest ever interiors show, opens in Dubai

Index 2006, which was officially opened this morning by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and Industry, U.A.E. at Dubai International Exhibition Centre, is the largest ever interiors show ever to be staged in the Middle East, covering 35,380 square metres and featuring 1,650 manufacturers and suppliers from 57 countries, including Australia, Vietnam, Brazil, Italy, France, Turkey, Italy, Germany, Spain, the UK and USA.

“Index 2006 showcases the very best from the world’s interior design and furniture industry – an inspirational and totally comprehensive shop window, the show has already attracted a huge audience of the region’s key interior designers, architects, consultants and specifiers, who regard Index as an essential visit,” said Bernard Walsh, Managing Director of organisers dmg world media Dubai. “Based on visitor footfall so far today, we are confident that we will welcome in excess of 37,000 visitors to this year’s show.”

By far the biggest ever Index in the highly successful 16 year history of this internationally respected and acclaimed event, the show has broken all previous records - packing the entire Dubai International Exhibition Centre, including the brand new Zabeel Hall, there are more exhibitors and country pavilions than ever before, and all of the leading regional and international interiors and furniture industry brands are represented.

“A unique one-stop trade generation and sourcing opportunity, the continued expansion of the residential, retail and commercial property sectors throughout the Middle East and North Africa means that Index is a vital part of the global and regional industry, and the essential meeting place that brings together the global and regional industry sectors,” said Kim Willis, Exhibition Development Director of dmg world media Dubai.

There are many reasons for the continued success of Index, not least the incredible growth of the public and private infrastructures throughout the GCC. “The region in general, and the Emirate of Dubai in particular, are famed around the world for the size and scope of residential, commercial and public developments,” added Walsh. “The change in ownership regulations in the UAE and elsewhere in the region has given an additional boost to the interiors market, both for products and services.”

For visitors and exhibitors alike, Index 2006, which runs from Tuesday 7th to Saturday 11th November at Dubai International Exhibition Centre, is the ideal opportunity to meet and do business. The show’s growth mirrors that of the region’s interiors industry, which offers major business potential.