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Office Exhibition expands with growth of Middle East markets.

 
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7 Nov 2007

There is no doubt that the furniture and furnishings markets of the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman are among the most sought after in the world. The sheer scale of the ongoing development in all sectors of the industry is known to even the man or woman in the street in Europe and America. The Emirate of Dubai has achieved an iconic status in global consciousness, not least for its often daring architectural and interior design achievements.

The Dubai-based Office Exhibition – the seventh event will take place in February 2008 – is the hub of the office interiors business in the region. “Every year, the show grows from strength to strength, and it now features all the important manufacturers and suppliers from East and West,” commented Exhibition Director Paula Al Chami.

Unequalled boom
The construction sector in general – public, private and commercial – is benefiting from the global energy boom and from ever increasing international investments in the region. Across the Arabian Gulf, short and medium term investment is now measured in tens of trillions of dollars.

This unequalled boom is also attracting big business. Companies from all over the world, both multinationals and SMEs, are keen to do business with the region, and are setting up regional headquarters and representative offices. The result is a corresponding surge in the office furniture and design industry.

UAE-based design companies, whose main client base until recently had been hotel and leisure projects, have now diverted most of their resources into office design. The market for office interiors is booming, and the major global suppliers are competing for their share.

For commercial and office developments, the Arabian Gulf is now the most exciting and lucrative market. “The commercial property market in the Middle East has been moving at an incredible pace, and this has led to an exponential growth in the office furniture business,” said the Khaleej Times.

Office Exhibition expands with growth of Middle East markets.

Trend defining
For the past six years, the Office Exhibition has grown with the market, and is now recognised as the trend-defining event in the region, an inspiration for specifiers and buyers.

The 2008 event,taking place at the Dubai International Exhibition & Convention Centre from 4 to 6 February, has moved to an earlier time slot to accommodate the needs of exhibitors and their clients. It now coincides with the start of the annual tender process, and of the marketing campaigns of international manufacturers.

The organisers have identified four key concerns which should be at the forefront of commercial buyers and specifiers for office spaces. Exhibitors at The Office Exhibition all offer products and services which are key to meeting these concerns.

The People Aspect:
Exhibitors know the workplace should be designed around the ergonomics of the interaction between people and their environment, motivating the workforce and improving the customer experience.

The Design Aspect:
Exhibitors recognise the importance of colour, texture, style and function in defining the signature style which is a defining element in how companies are perceived by their clients and workforce.

The Operational Aspect:
Exhibitors understand the importance of effective office and working environments, which are the result of excellent planning and managing available resources. Their products allow for maximum flexibility and functionality.

The Financial Aspect:
The Office Exhibition provides buyers and specifiers with a unique opportunity to examine products and services, assess a supplier's production and distribution capabilities, and discuss other technical and business considerations that influence purchasing decisions.

Design celebration
Over 250 companies will show their latest products at The Office Exhibition 2008, including National Pavilions from Germany, the UK, the USA, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and Cyprus, as well as independent international and local suppliers. Alongside the event, the Association of Professional Interior Designers will stage a design workshop with Fred Berns, the renowned US business consultant and public speaker, who specialises in the design business. Students from the UAE design colleges will also present their best work at the show.

On the first evening of the show, “O Celebrates” will be the central theme of an exclusive VIP networking event for exhibitors, their clients and members of the Middle East architectural and design community. “People are of pivotal importance in the construction industry,” said Paula Al Chami. “The Office Exhibition will offer the design community an opportunity to come together and celebrate the success of the industry in an exciting and creative atmosphere.”

The Office Exhibition – the flagship office furniture, interiors and design event – is a must for architects, designers and contract buyers throughout the Arabian Gulf.



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