Market for fit outs fuels furniture industry

DUBAI / Emirates Business

The GCC market for interior contracting and fit outs in 2015 was estimated at US$ 7.06 billion, according to a recent report of the GCC Building, Construction and Interiors Market by Retailspace. Growth in this sector is set to climb by 25.62 percent to US$ 8.87 billion by 2016, from the projects likely to be completed over 2016.
Tourism and big events like the World Cup 2022, World Athletics Championships 2019, and Dubai Expo 2020, are underway across the GCC region, which will create an impact in major construction, renovation and refurbishment projects.
With the huge demand of exhibitors during the previous editions of the Dubai WoodShow — a dedicated furniture event — a special show within DWS comes to fore. The DIFAC Show (Dubai International Furniture Accessories & Components & Semi-Finished Products) is all set to wow the interior contracting and fit outs market from March 7 – 9, 2017 at Dubai World Trade Center.
Dawood Al Shezawi, CEO, Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, organisers of the DIFAC Show comments: “Our whole team is on their toes and are optimistic that having a dedicated event for furniture and fit-outs will work well and be a future success. Global suppliers and customers can expect to see the latest innovative technologies, top quality products and brands for the furniture industry under one roof. We aim to turn DIFAC as a key feature of the market-leading reputation of Dubai WoodShow as being the biggest wood exhibition in the Middle East.”
The interior design and fit-out industry is flourishing in the GCC as demand for new hotels, retail spaces, commercial real estate, schools and hospitals continue to grow, cementing the region as one of the fastest growing and most exciting in the world. The GCC interior contracting and fit outs sector encompassing internal wood works, soft and hard furnishings, lightings, partitions, flooring, kitchens, bathroom fittings constitutes approximately 10 to 20 percent of the average construction project value.
High-end interior projects in Qatar, UAE, and Kuwait can easily exceed US$ 25 million. Kuwait is by far the biggest interiors market and is estimated that spending on interior finishing items will grow by 13.7 percent by 2017.
The DIFAC Show is bringing decision-makers and high level management across the Middle East region and worldwide looking for the latest products in surfaces and fittings, elements and systems, semi-finished products and materials, furniture fabrics and upholstery materials.