INDEX Saudi Arabia 2023 to showcase nine distinct product sectors

Following the success of the 2022 edition of INDEX Saudi Arabia, a design event, is once again embarking on this journey with a three-day programme. With over three decades of history, the INDEX trade show has earned its reputation as a prominent gathering for the interior design and fit-out industry in the Middle East. In Saudi Arabia, the fair, first inaugurated in 2012, is now in its 12th edition.

INDEX Saudi Arabia 2023 takes its position as the premier event for interior design, fit-out, and architecture in Saudi Arabia. It serves as a platform where interior suppliers and manufacturers can engage with interior designers, architects, project managers, and procurers. The latest edition of this exhibition, organised by dmg events, a Dubai-based global exhibitions and publishing company, is set to take place at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from September 10 to 12, 2023.

The INDEX Saudi Arabia 2023 trade fair will encompass a comprehensive three-day program featuring business networking opportunities, product showcases, and valuable market insights coming together under one roof. INDEX Saudi Arabia 2023 serves as a gateway to the Middle East interiors and fit-out market, providing an event where every element finds its rightful place. This platform offers renowned global brands the opportunity to connect with the region's influential buyers, including interior designers, architects, and retailers, thus creating valuable interactions between key players in the industry.

In addition to its main exhibition, INDEX Saudi Arabia 2023 will feature a complimentary conference named the INDEX Design Talks, in collaboration with GEBERIT, hosting esteemed speakers who will delve into cutting-edge trends, optimal approaches, and hands-on concepts within interior design. The conference will transfuse thought-provoking insights, dynamic panel discussions, and trend-setting keynote addresses highlighting a wide array of topics. These include exploring luxury hospitality experiences tailored to the Gen-Z market, understanding the impact of design in fostering cultural exchange, and finding innovative solutions for modern workspaces to cater to the needs of the contemporary workforce.

Held alongside the Hotel & Hospitality Expo and the Lighting Design & Technology Expo, INDEX Saudi Arabia stands as the sole dedicated event where buyers can discover a diverse range of products, including furniture, furnishings, textiles, interiors, and art. This year’s exhibition will boast nine distinct product sectors showcased on the floor, encompassing furniture and furnishings, fit-out services, workspace solutions, kitchen and bathroom essentials, accessories, décor, homeware, art, textiles, surfaces, finishes, and bed and bedding products. Featuring over 260 exhibitors from 28 different countries and anticipating around 20,000 visitors, this event offers attendees a unique opportunity to gain knowledge from industry thought leaders and pioneers, acquiring valuable insights into the most exceptional design practices within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The event also aims to collaborate with prominent regional and global architects, along with talented young designers from universities, to present installations and exhibits on the show floor centred around sustainable practices.

Elaine O’Connell, Vice President, Design and Hospitality of dmg events, the organiser of INDEX Saudi Arabia, emphasised that the interior design market is well-positioned for success. The recent findings in the INDEX Saudi Arabia, State of the Market 2023: The Business of Interiors report reveals that Saudi Arabia's interior design and fit-out market is undergoing a significant transformation and growth, driven by the construction, refurbishment, and booming real estate sectors. The market's evolution is attributed to various factors, including an upsurge in real estate projects, the rapid expansion of new sectors like retail, flexible commercial workspaces, medical, education, and hospitality, as well as the ever-growing fit-out market projected to reach USD 1.8 billion by 2027.

Over the next five years, the interiors market in Saudi Arabia is expected to witness a surge in sustainable and technological innovations, comparable to global markets. This growth is attributed to favourable government regulations, spending initiatives, substantial investments, and the rapid expansion of young, urban, and digitally adept consumers in the region.

“From the increase in construction activities, growth in demand from the commercial infrastructure sector, improvement in the standard of living, and the introduction of premium interior design services, it’s clear to see that there is a significant rise in demand for interior design fit-outs in the Kingdom. And at this year’s INDEX Saudi Arabia, it’s something we really want to highlight, all while showcasing the Kingdom’s design evolution and what the landscape has to offer today,” states O’Connell. With the unprecedented growth of its landscape, economy, and prospects, Saudi Arabia is embracing change. Amidst this growth, INDEX Saudi Arabia serves as an ideal platform to exhibit interior products and solutions to the most influential buyers in the country.

We anticipate the INDEX Saudi Arabia 2023 edition to be a hub for engaging discussions and an event that fosters education, encouragement, and representation of the regional design community.

(Text by Irene Joseph, intern at STIR)