DOHA: INDEX Qatar 2019, the annual gathering of Qatar’s interior design industry, gets underway at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) tomorrow, and organisers have confirmed the participation of more than 200 leading brands from over 20 different countries covering every category of interior design.
Organised by dmg events Doha and endorsed by Qatar National Tourism Council, INDEX Qatar will connect interior designers, decorators, architects, contractors, and manufacturers with the market’s leading suppliers. Highlighting innovative design trends among the comprehensive category mix of products and services, confirmed exhibitors for this year include Al Darwish Engineering, Ceramiche Batignani, Cervo Bianco, Cristal de Paris, La Favorita Mezzaluna, Misasa Stone, and Seaquarium Ltd.
INDEX Qatar 2019 will open with an official ceremony, alongside the 8th edition of Cityscape Qatar on 22 October and run until 24 October. The unique collocation of the two international events this year is expected to drive higher than ever participation and visitor footfall to INDEX Qatar.
Jaafar Shubber, INDEX Qatar’s Event Director, said: “With two successful editions behind us, INDEX Qatar has built a reputation for closing the gap and providing access to key decision makers and project owners in Qatar’s market. This makes INDEX Qatar a must-attend event for all businesses looking to expand their reach. We hope that our commitment to serving the industry shows in INDEX Qatar’s expansive programme, including the professional development activities and networking opportunities presented for visitors and exhibitors.” Qatar’s mega construction projects continue to create exceptional opportunities for professionals and companies in the interior design sector and INDEX Qatar is the perfect place for them to network, conduct business, find new products while enhancing their skills.
The high number of exhibitors who have returned to INDEX Qatar again this year confirms the growing importance of the event on the calendar of both local and international companies.
Cristal de Paris Managing Director, Ferstler Guy, said: “Our presence at INDEX Qatar in the last two editions really paid off for us. We met a lot of influential market players and made lasting business contacts. We really thank the organisers for their efforts again this year. The Design Talks are also one of the many standout features of INDEX Qatar.” Established in 1970, Cristal de Paris specializes in the size, decoration and polishing of crystal objects.
Vera Sant Fournier, award winning Interior Designer, attending INDEX Qatar for the second year said: Visitors to INDEX Qatar will benefit from access to exhibitors representing the full supply chain across different product categories that include accessories, décor and homeware; stone and marble; surfaces; furniture and furnishing; ceramics; technology and equipment; kitchen and bathroom, and new this year: lighting; home textiles; and office.
To date, the interiors projects market in Qatar is valued at around $3bn; 13,000 residential units are projected to be completed in the next 12 months while 15,000 hotel rooms across 100 buildings, makes Doha the third most active hotel construction market in the Middle East and Africa. Qatar is spending $10billion for 2022 FIFA World Cup stadiums with construction and finishing of eight stadiums is underway.
Several industry heavyweights have been confirmed as speakers, including Pallavi Dean, Founder & Creative Director, Roar; Nizar Jalbout, CEO, Mirabello Interiors; Dr. Cherif Amor, Chair of Interior Design, Virginia Commonwealth University; Jon Sealey, Head of Interior Design, Arab Engineering Bureau; Esra Al-Kazem, Design Director, AEA Designs; and Dr. Alex Amato, Head of Sustainability, Qatar Green Building Council.
