INDEX has been running in the UAE for almost three decades as the Middle East’s largest interior design show, its 28th edition successfully concluding at the Dubai World Trade Centre last month.
A recent Ventures report prepared for INDEX Dubai 2018 highlights the interiors and fit-out market in the UAE as one of the Gulf’s fastest growing industries, with spend forecast to reach US$973.4 million by 2022. The same report also indicates that the interiors and fit-out sector in Saudi Arabia is growing at such a pace, it is likely to challenge the UAE’s position as market leader in the near future.
The launch of INDEX Saudi in Riyadh – which will run from 30th October to 1st November at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre – comes at a time of increased construction activity in Saudi Arabia, resulting in higher demand for interior design products and services.
The Saudi Vision 2030 initiative has seen a surge in construction projects across the Kingdom, particularly in urban development, as the government seeks to improve the conditions of the country as a destination for tourism, and cater to its growing population – the largest in the Gulf.
Due to this rush in activity, dmg events has launched a series of events across Saudi Arabia – it’s major cities Riyadh and Jeddah in particular – in recent years to aid and support market growth areas by providing essential platforms for business and networking. The company recently opened its first office in the country in Jeddah.
INDEX previously ran two bespoke events in Jeddah in 2012 and 2013, and this year will launch its biggest interiors event in the Kingdom thus far in its capital city of Riyadh.
“Launching a dedicated interior design event in the capital and business hub of Saudi Arabia seems apt at this time of increased demand from design professionals, looking for local and international suppliers to aid the fit-out of more than US $ 800 billion worth of projects across the country,” commented Andy Stuart, Vice President of the Design & Hospitality Division at dmg events.
“Projects spanning the hospitality, commercial, residential and retail sectors are driving demand for interior and fit-out products in the Kingdom, which represents the Gulf’s largest construction market. Some of the world’s largest mega-projects are in the pipeline here, alongside a host of high-end developments. Such projects are looking to use products and services from the leading interiors companies from across the globe. This is who can be found at INDEX Saudi.”
INDEX Saudi will provide a comprehensive showcase of interiors solutions from office to home interiors, high-tech lighting to traditional flooring, and much more. It will also feature a free-to-attend conference with expert speakers commenting on latest trends, best practices and practical ideas in interior design. The interactive presentations will be delivered by industry thought-leaders and innovators dedicated to drive design best practice in the Kingdom.
