The furniture and interior design market in the UAE is expected to grow to $2.7 billion (Dh9.9bn) this year, according to international experts in the field.


Currently, more than 250 international firms are taking part as exhibitors at the furniture and interior design show Interiors UAE, taking place in Abu Dhabi.

Some 8,000 to 10,000 visitors from the UAE and the region are expected to tour the exhibition, which is benefiting from the region’s property boom.

The opening was attended by Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Planning and Economy Mohammed Omar Abdullah, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company Ahmed Hameed Al Mazrouie and Managing Director of Channels Exhibitions Justin Boutros.

“With Abu Dhabi quickly becoming a prominent trade centre in the region, linking east and west, Interiors UAE seeks to meet the growing demand for furniture in the UAE and the region,” said Boutros.

Highlighting the significance of the exhibition, he said the volume of expenditure on entertainment, travel and residential development sectors will reach $100 billion (Dh365 billion) in the Middle East over the coming five years.

“We look forward to the large trade potential in Abu Dhabi where hotels, real estate, building and tourism are developing in a huge manner.”

Around $23bn, he added, is expected to be spent on hotels and holiday resorts alone. In Abu Dhabi alone, some 200 new hotels are scheduled to be built over the coming years.

Interiors UAE is a joint venture between the UAE and CMP Information, a leading exhibition organiser in the United Kingdom, and Channels Exhibitions.

The exhibition, organisers said, it will contribute to filling the gap between exporters and the huge potential of the region. It also works as a platform for communication with potential partners in the region. The exhibition will host a workshop this week on future trend forecasts for furniture and decoration in the region.