Design, fit-out industries thrive on Gulf development boom

dubai - The Gulf's interiors industry is valued at its highest within the building sector

A home is a reflection of its owner, and the apartments and villas across Dubai are especially unique because their interiors are all influenced by an eclectic mix of tastes from various parts of the world.

This unique phenomenon has drawn interior designers, furniture experts and suppliers from all over the world to the 2017 Index Design Series, the Middle East's biggest interior design exhibition currently taking place in Dubai. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, officially launched the exhibition, which is co-located with Middle East Stone, now in its third year. Between them, the shows expect to attract well over 30,000 visitors to more than 1,100 exhibitor stands.

Tony Crinion, Index event director, noted that the region's infrastructure, hospitality, residential and retail development sectors are all going steady. "With ambitious national growth set for the Gulf across the next 10 to 15 years, being able to source the finest materials and products to help build and furnish these mega projects is vital for the region's construction and design leaders."

Recent research by market analysts Ventures revealed that the value of interior-based design and fit-out spend has risen from $15.5 billion in 2016 to $17.7 billion this year, with the steep rise attributed to near-constant innovation and what experts describe as "ever-changing personal preferences".

It is a trend which has drawn the attention of several companies from around the world, including several French design and furnishing houses.

Stephanie Roussin, international project manager, French Furnishing Export Group, said that French companies had found a lot of success in the UAE over the past couple of years. This year, the French furniture industry is represented by a total of 14 exhibitors and 16 brands grouped together in a French pavilion, marking an increase of 50 per cent in the number of brands exhibited in comparison to 2016. France is the 10th largest exporter of goods in the world, with the French furniture and interiors market currently worth ?14 billion.

"The market in France for interiors and furniture is very competitive, with a very strict regulatory environment," she said. "This means that our products are preferred around the world for their reliability, style and design."

Speaking about interior design tastes in the UAE, Aurore Robin, marketing and export manager at Evoluti Design, said there was a shift towards a more minimalistic look in homes. "French designs used to be known for their arts and crafts, but we have seen a new and more subtle look in home designs. Simple furniture with a little decoration for a personal touch is the preference in the market right now."

Juliette Bazaud, sales director of Taillardat, noted the importance of a personal touch, especially in the high-end luxury segment. "There has always been a strong market for luxury in the UAE, but customers over here want to be involved in their designs and often want to add their own flair to furniture and home accessories. Almost all our designs are made to order and we expect this to continue in the coming years."

A report, commissioned exclusively by Index, concluded that interior design is one of the Gulf's fastest growing industries. According to the report, the interiors industry is valued at its highest within the building sector, where its annual worth is $9.2 billion - up almost $1 billion on last year. The commercial real estate, hotel, retail, hospital and education sectors have all increased interiors investment since 2016. The residential sector remained buoyant with an annual value of more than $3 billion.

Individual interior product industries are also experiencing profitable growth. The lighting fixtures market is booming, with the region's lighting systems market predicted to be worth $3.5 billion by 2020. Textile imports and exports are valued at $3 billion a year, with furniture and fittings recording similar figures.

- rohma@khaleejtimes.com