Design highlights from INDEX 2018

The best moments at the recently concluded INDEX

The Middle East’s biggest annual interior design exhibition, INDEX wrapped up its four-day festival that took place at Dubai World Trade Centre from March 26- 29, 2018. The event was a hugely diverse one and displayed creative catalogue of furniture, furnishing, and décor suppliers. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group officially launched the 28th INDEX interior design exhibition in Dubai. He was joined by INDEX portfolio director Tony Crinion and dmg events president Matt Denton. His Highness also liaised with firms taking part in INDEX’s sister shows, WORKSPACE – dedicated to office furniture and décor – and SURFACE Design Middle East, which focuses on uniting designers and architects with interior and exterior surface solutions.

Here are some high points from one of the region’s biggest interior design event:

HP showcases latex technology
For the fourth consecutive year, HP participated at INDEX Exhibition showcased the innovative latex technology that will revolutionise the interior design industry by offering a new and simplified process of design delivery. Partnering with local and international designers, the brand is aiming to demonstrate various innovative design applications printed with the unique latex technology. Ernest Azzam, regional business manager, large format printing Middle East said: “With the design market expected to reach $3bn in 2019 in the UAE alone, designers and architects are constantly on the lookout for advances in this industry which can support their designs in an efficient manner.”

“In the design industry, quality is crucial, and so it’s the first factor designers consider when they are introduced to HP’s latex printer. The quality is significantly high, and the lower cost associated with the entire process Saudi-based Designs Group, specialising in the hospitality sector, unveiled their plans for expansion at the ongoing INDEX Exhibition in Dubai. Making the announcement Eng. Mohammad Al-Nadi, CEO of Designs Group, said: “In line with the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision to attract 30mn visitors annually, tourism has emerged as one of the most promising sectors of the Saudi Economy. This is driving massive demand for hotels and has opened fabulous opportunities for us at a time when we are engaged in accelerating the company’s expansion. We began 2018 with three fantastic hotel projects (complete fit-out) in Saudi Arabia boasting over 2000 rooms. These vary from a superb 400-rooms smart hotel to a 1000-rooms four and five star property and a 600-rooms beach resort.” In addition to these projects, Designs Group has entered into an agreement with a specialised services company to jointly restructure and develop other companies within the group. Al-Nadi stressed: “As part of this endeavour we will be working on the reconstruction of Al Mubarak Group from Saudi by training, developing and qualifying its human resources. The primary objective of this project is to position the group as a competitive brand in the local and regional hospitality industry.” provides designers with the ability to dedicate more time in creating and experimenting with different designs, leading to unique outcomes,” shared Azzam.

Index Architecture & Design Awards 2018
The Middle East’s most breathtaking architecture and design projects of the last 12 months were celebrated at the fifth annual INDEX Design & Architecture Awards in Dubai. Big winners included Dubai-based Bishop Design, who were named Design Firm of the Year; and Wilson Associates, whose senior vice president and managing director Isabel Pintado was crowned Design Leader of the Year. Local projects taking home prizes included Dubai nightspot Lock, Stock and Barrel (designed by Broadway Interiors); the Smart Dubai offices in d3 (designed by dwp); a new department store at ABC Verdun community mall in Beirut collected Best Retail Design Project (designed by Kinnersley Kent Design) and 10Concepts young designer Israa Mahmoud was named INDEX Rising Star 2018 amongst others.

Ebarza showcased mid-century style furniture
The popular online store ebarza.com displayed wide range of eye-catching mid-century inspired trends with lots of floral patterns and gold theme. Maana G.M, managing director from ebarza said: “Our focus this year is to target the commercial market. Now as we’re getting closer to Expo 2020, there are many projects which are in their finishing stage, we want to target such hospitality and commercial projects.”

Designs Group unveiled its expansion plans
Saudi-based Designs Group, specialising in the hospitality sector, unveiled their plans for expansion at the ongoing INDEX Exhibition in Dubai. Making the announcement Eng. Mohammad Al-Nadi, CEO of Designs Group, said: “In line with the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision to attract 30mn visitors annually, tourism has emerged as one of the most promising sectors of the Saudi Economy. This is driving massive demand for hotels and has opened fabulous opportunities for us at a time when we are engaged in accelerating the company’s expansion. We began 2018 with three fantastic hotel projects (complete fit-out) in Saudi Arabia boasting over 2000 rooms. These vary from a superb 400-rooms smart hotel to a 1000-rooms four and five star property and a 600-rooms beach resort.” In addition to these projects, Designs Group has entered into an agreement with a specialised services company to jointly restructure and develop other companies within the group. Al-Nadi stressed: “As part of this endeavour we will be working on the reconstruction of Al Mubarak Group from Saudi by training, developing and qualifying its human resources. The primary objective of this project is to position the group as a competitive brand in the local the local and regional hospitality industry.”

Bathtub made of petrified wood
A 180-million-year-old petrified wood bath was displayed at the INDEX. Designer-cum-explorer Nigel Fenwick brought the ultra-rare gem-stone embalmed bath carved from an ancient log he found deep in the Indonesian rainforest to this year’s INDEX interior design exhibition. The bathtub is worth $2mn. He said: “The story behind this beautiful and extremely rare bathtub reveals a dramatic and risky journey in pursuit of the most perfect piece of art. Petrified wood is one of the rarest and most beautiful raw materials in the world and believed by many to have incredible therapeutic and healing properties, even having the power to extend your life.”

Mon Palais’ future plans
Interior Design Firm Mon Palais participated at the INDEX and the company discussed its plans and exciting projects. Eng Raed Zuraiki, general manager of Mon Palais said: “We participated at the INDEX for the first time and we are happy with the response we received. “The event gave us a good opportunity to introduce our services to everyone interested in designing their own space in addition to showing the latest trends in the design industry.” Mon Palais is now looking to expand regionwide in the GCC. “On the design front, we want to continue crafting memorable interiors in collaboration with our clients. When it comes to business objectives, Mon Palais wants to be in the top five interior design and fit out companies in the UAE by the end of 2018. Our eventual vision is to be the de facto interior design leader in the GCC while creating a legacy of inspiring spaces that enrich the human experience while safeguarding the environment,” signed off Zuraiki.