Show cooks up a storm

Dubai: More than 15,000 home and cooking enthusiasts are expected to flock to the Gulf News Ideal Home Show, say organisers.

The three day show, which started yesterday, is a first for the UAE combining an exhibition with live celebrity demonstrations.

Epoc Messe Frankfurt, the show's organisers, saw a real demand for new consumer exhibitions especially in the home market.

"The market in the Middle East is becoming more sophisticated and with that sophistication people are looking for choice and different things to do," said Christopher Hudson, exhibitions director with Epoc Messe Frankfurt.

Hudson anticipates 15,000 visitors over the duration of the show, but he added that number is likely to soar through word of mouth. The company has already started organising next year's show.

"We are going to take up more space next year. We were sold out this year so we ended up with a long waiting list, for next year the booking dates will be open much earlier," he said.

More than 150 exhibitors are displaying some 200 products from home technology to kitchenware, designer room sets to arts, crafts and textiles.

Major names exhibiting include Bosch Siemens, Falaknaz Habitat and The Specialists.

Exhibitors like Archimedia, which designs home theatre, and audio systems say they are excited at the endless possibilities the show can offer. This is the first time the company has taken part in such a show.

"It is targeted to people who really want to do something special in their homes. We expect that this show will give us a bit of a boost, and we are looking forward to that," said Omar Hikal, managing partner of Archimedia.

As one of the sponsors of the event, BBC Worldwide's director of channels Wayne Dunsford said he was impressed by the number of people who came to the show in just the first few minutes. "I am very impressed the response to the show especially as it is the first time a show like this has been held here," added Dunsford.

Several visitors said they were interested and impressed at the variety of products as well as the entertainment value of the shows. Dubai resident Ian Lynas told Gulf News he was surprised at the number of people at the show participating in the different theatres that go on through out the day.