Saleh Fareed Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – Jeddah Center for Forums and Events is set to host INDEX Saudi Arabia 2013, the international business platform for Furniture, Interiors and Retail Design on Nov. 12-14, 2013 under the Patronage of Sheikh Saleh Abdullah Kamel, Chairman of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This was announced in a press conference held on Sunday at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) attended by Mazen Batterjee, Deputy Chairman of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Elie Rizk C.E.O of M.I.C.E Arabia Exhibitions and Conferences Co. Held for the second time in Saudi Arabia, Decorations & Furniture Exhibitions Index KSA is the local edition of Index UAE, the Middle East and North Africa's largest and longest established interiors and design exhibition. Over 150 interior design brands from 20 countries will be exhibiting at INDEX KSA this year. The exhibition occupies over 8,000sqm of exhibition gross space and will display thousands of interior design and fit out products across residential, commercial, hospitality and retail sectors. Batterjee urged local companies specialized in furniture, interiors, kitchen & bathroom, lighting, outdoor living and textiles to benefit of this international platform in order to meet the big demand of Saudi consumers. He said “our businesspeople should now think of taking advantage of investing in the huge local furniture industry market. In this way, they can help boost the country's economy.” He stated that the Saudi building, furniture and decor market is estimated at SR2 trillion. Meanwhile, Elie Rizk. CEO of M.I.C.E Arabia Exhibitions and Conferences Co, said Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest growing markets of the Middle East and currently witnessing an incredible boom in the construction and decoration industries. “Huge investments are being made, both from the government and the private sector in building and decoration industries, which is why we bring in such trade fairs of the Kingdom for the promotion and development of such industries,” he said. He added “we wanted to enhance our exhibitor and visitor experience and INDEX KSA 2013 will be more than just an exhibition; it will facilitate business interaction, gives the opportunity to expand and strengthen professional networks and provide inspiration for interior and exterior design projects.” An area of the exhibition will be converted into an art gallery where Saudi Arabian and regional artists will showcase their work. The art section will be just one of the novelties that trade visitors will find when visiting INDEX KSA 2013.
