– The largest interior and design exhibition titled INDEX KSA (International Design Exhibition) was held Thursday at Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events. The three-day exhibition was inaugurated by Adnan Mandora, Secretary General, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry GJCC, and was sponsored by Sheikh Saleh Abdullah Kamel, President, GJCC. INDEX KSA brings together the best and the most innovative solutions for the booming interior design market in the Kingdom estimated to be be worth SR4.5 billion in response to the incredible growth witnessed in the construction market in recent years. The exhibition was a unique a platform for more than 220 noted exhibitors, who came from 27 different countries to showcase their brands and designs in six different sectors, namely lights, furniture, kitchens, bathroom, outdoor furniture and textile. Daniel Bautista, PO of EPOCA luxury furniture from Spain, said that this was the first time they had participated in an exhibition in Saudi Arabia and it's an important market for them. They have many clients in the Kingdom and they look forward to cater to those who look for both good quality and exclusive designs. Bautista said the quality of their products are extremely fine as they are hand-finished. He also said that they have a wide collection of class and contemporary furniture that are readymade and can be custom-made for both hotels and residents. Eduardo Aurlujho, president of international sales of Fine Art Lamp, a manufactory based in Miami, Florida,US, said that they design the crystals of their lamps, and that is what characterizes their collections. Aurlujho said their products are used in palaces and villas. He said the Saudi market is very good because Saudis in general prefer exclusivity and that is what their company offers customers. Muhammed Fayek, the general manager of Fayek Decorative Furniture Co., that is based in Alexandria, Egypt since 1940, said that they have been working for the Saudi market for the past five years through European companies that buy their products and export here. Fayek said, “We are planning to have our store in Saudi Arabia, instead of entering the Saudi market through European companies. We have furnished many luxury hotels, but most of our projects our residents.” The company also has a large collection of classic and modern furniture to suit everyone's needs. Fayek also said that the Saudi market is a very promising market. Muhammed Koshak, Director Manager, Exotic International General Trading, said the company offers unique and creative brands that mix design with technology, like liquid color floors and furnitures that can stand intense exposure to sunlight. Micheal Burford, Sales Director, BotBox, in Italy, said that this was the first time they had participated in an exhibition in Saudi Arabia. __
