11 countries taking part in IFEX-2005

The exhibition will showcase concept-based interior design products for domestic and commercial use.

IFEX-2005 being organised by the General Exhibition Corporation (GEC) will begin today to continue through 24 February at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition & Conference Center.

Addressing the pre-show conference, Ahmed Humaid Al Mazrouie, Director General GEC said that IFEX provides platform to promote high-end interiors and furnishings for homes, hotels, offices and yachts. "It will help in exchanging experiences and information as well as to exhibit new interior design trends regionally in order to meet the markets continuous demand," he said.

He said that Shaikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council & Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Economic & Planning Department will inaugurate the show.

Al Mazrouie said that over 220 exhibitors from 11 countries will be taking part this year including Turkey, South Africa, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Germany, India, Malaysia and the UAE, with official pavilions from the UK and Italy. The exhibition covers a gross area of 14,500 metres comparing with 13,500 metres in 2004, he said. He said that around 10,000 visitors professionals are expected to attend the show.

He acknowledged that the GCC region, particularly the UAE is witnessing a tremendous development boom in real estate and property development, mainly in tourism and commercial projects.