Dubai key platform for interior design companies

An increasing number of furniture and interior design companies have listed Dubai as the top destination for traders looking to expand their operations overseas for the first time. Speaking at the ongoing INDEX 2012 design exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Centre several designers expressed interest and plans to further their trade in the UAE.

Paul Gosling, business adviser of British furniture and interior manufacturing company, Antocks Lairn, described Dubai as being “more resilient” to the economic credit crisis that hit European markets. In addition Gosling also explained that Dubai functioned as a wider platform for companies looking to expand their businesses in the MENA region.

“Unlike US and European markets that have been in a state of stagnation for quite some time, the growing state of the UAE makes us confident that there will be a demand for our products,” said Gosling.

Another British furniture designer at the INDEX exhibition, Simon Firullo also expressed interest in bringing his company’s products to the region.

“People in the UAE love their cars and they love Formula 1 so that will make our products very attractive in the market,” said Firullo, founder of the Paradisi brand that specialises in using carbon fibre in its furniture products.

In addition to the British designers several Finnish companies at the exhibition have also revealed plans to increase exports to the UAE.

“There are a lot of great retail opportunities in Dubai since it is a rapidly growing market,” said Emma Frenzel, export manager of Secto Design. “Right now we are looking for a local representative that we can work with to bring our products to the region.”

Similarly Joel Roos, founder of Finnish furniture company, One Nordic Design was also seeking a local representative to expand their business.

“Our products are attractive to a younger client base so they will be well received by the expanding younger client base here in the UAE,” explained Roos.

Rohma Sadaqat is a trainee at Gulf News