JEDDAH: The second International Exhibition for Furniture, FURNIDEX-Arabia, will kick off today at the Jeddah Exhibition Center. The event, which will be open daily through Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., is highly supported with participation by companies from China, the Czech Republic, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia and Turkey, along with leading Saudi manufacturers' agents and distributors, officials said. The event takes place at a time when the construction sector continues to grow throughout the region, which increases demand for furniture and décor. It is expected to attract a large turnout of professionals, businessmen and traders. According to a new report based on market analysis, furniture consumption in Saudi Arabia has rapidly expanded over the past few years because of rising affluence, the influence of Western culture and tourism developments. The industry, which has sustained its growth rate and achieved positive year-on-year growth, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of about 12 percent during 2011-2013, making the Kingdom one of the most attractive furniture markets in the Middle East. The market continues to expand in leaps and bounds as more houses are built and hotels, restaurants, airports and banks open or are renovated and refurbished. Growth in the market is also boosted by the continuing construction of retail outlets, schools, colleges and universities.. Okaz Organization for Press and Publication is the media sponsor for the event, which is organized by Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions. Adnan Mandoura, secretary general of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will patronize the opening ceremony.
