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Over 100 companies to take part in Office 2003

DUBAI More than 100 companies will exhibit their products and expertise when a bigger Office 2003 opens at the Airport Expo next month.

Bernard Walsh, managing director of DMG World Media, Dubai, said that the region's demand for office furniture is rising as new initiatives like the Dubai International Financial Centre are being taken. He said this year the exhibition, which takes place during May 19-21, is likely to have between six to seven thousand visitors, 20 per cent more than the previous year.

Walsh said that his company is monitoring the developments in Iraq very closely, but as of now there is no possibility of postponing the show as both visitors and participants are keen for the show to take place on time. Office 2003 has taken up a space of 20,000 square metres, which is 5,000 square metres more than the previous year and according to Jonathan Berger, the commercial director of DGM, the area of the exhibition would grow another 25 per cent next year given the rising demand.

The AGCC region imported some $2.8 billion worth of furniture and interiors products in 2001, up six per cent over the previous year. The UAE with Dubai accounting for 70 per cent of this market and Saudi Arabia represent about 60 per cent of the regional total imports of furniture and interiors products. Berger said that the growth trend will not only continue, but will get a boost from new initiatives like free zones that are coming up in the region.

For this year the Office exhibition has attracted a lot of interest from international participants from Asia and Europe apart from the regional markets.

Kim Willis of DMG World Media, Dubai, said the event has emerged as an ideal platform for suppliers and buyers from the AGCC region and beyond to come together under one roof and display their latest office furnishings.

"Our exhibition holds great potential for businesses in the region to grow in size and reputation, offering the opportunity to be exposed to a quality customer audience. Like all other exhibitions a great deal of organising and coordination is required, but this is something we thrive on and look forward to. We are committed to making Office another successful exhibition for DMG World Media," Willis added.

Office, which started last year, will also have two daily seminars hosted by CitySpace this year. The seminars will cover topics such as work practices and emerging technologies. Strategies, initiative and benefits will be also debated in these seminars.