The Office Exhibition, the Middle East region’s first dedicated event for the office interiors and facilities management sector, is scheduled to get under way at Airport Expo Dubai from May 20-22, 2002. The Gulf’s office interiors sector now accounts for 10-15 percent of the region’s multi-billion dollar furnishing industry, according to event organizers dmg Index Exhibitions.
“Information drawn from trade statistics indicates that imports in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) of furniture, fabrics, lighting and wallpapers amounted to $2.6 billion in 1999, increasing to $2.8 billion in 2000,” explained Joe Berger, dmg Index commercial director. “Whilst it’s difficult to accurately calculate the percentage which relates to office furniture and interiors, an estimated figure of around 10-15 percent can be assumed for this sector.”
The market is forecasted to be heading for further growth with Dubai Municipality alone reporting that 730 multi-story buildings are under construction within the emirate. “The market is highly competitive given the huge amount of activity within the construction industry,” said Berger.
Companies and products from 15 countries throughout Europe, the Far East, Scandinavia, the Middle East and Russia have contracted for The Office Exhibition. The exhibition 2002 will target an audience of over 80,000 purchasing, administration, human resource and office managers as well as architects, interior designers, contract buyers, retailers and property owners throughout the Gulf and beyond. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
