Inspiring installations and interactive conversations mark INDEX 2022 edition

Welcoming over 22,000 visitors across all of its co-located shows at the 2022 edition and connecting the global pioneers amongst furniture and homeware, kitchen and bathroom, lighting and decor brands with regional hospitality, residential, commercial and retail buyers, INDEX (The International Interior Design, Furniture & Fit-Out Exhibition) revitalised its stature as the largest and most momentous interiors event in the Middle East. The event addressed pressing issues such as the future of design and the changing workplace over three days of stellar programming through a lineup of conferences. The event was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 24 May-2022. “No other event offers such direct and comprehensive access to serious buyers in this extraordinary market as INDEX does,” says Elaine O’Connell, Vice President of Design & Hospitality at dmg events. “Buyers rely on INDEX to procure everything from contract furniture through to accessories, décor and limited-edition pieces. Professionals from across the interior design industry get the unique opportunity to network with experts and colleagues,” she adds.

The three-day show, presenting in Dubai since 1991 is the most significant single trading and networking event in the architecture and design industry calendar of the dynamic Middle East region. INDEX 2022 encompassed inspiring features, conferences and interactive fireside chats. Making strides from one edition to the next, this year’s features teemed with exceptional design installations by some of the region’s best talent, including ‘State of Mind’ designed by ODG Design and built by depa and Stretch Ceilings, ‘Serenity Pool’ designed by Kristina Zanic Consultants and built by Bond Interiors and ‘Ray of Light’ by design and branding agency Brand Creative for Cosentino, built by Design Infinity.

The New Retail Leadership Forum, the INDEX Design Talks conference, the Work Design Summit and the INDEX Design Talks conference all welcomed an overwhelming number of conference attendees. Highlights from the talks included advice on how architects and designers can delve into the Metaverse, harness the ever-evolving technology, and progress towards sustainability. The Retail Leadership Forum, an INDEX 2022 novelty, set up a dedicated stage for analysis and critical discussion of interior products for retailers in the Middle East. Catering to retail buyers, the platform offered an opportunity to explore consumer trends, logistics strategy and detailed procurement techniques.

Going from strength to strength, INDEX added a feather to its cap with another stellar year of showcasing extraordinary talent, fostering networking and fuelling exchange of knowledge and ideas, fortifying its ornate history of over three decades. “We have been overwhelmed with high level talent and industry experts attending the event this year,” says O’Connells. “INDEX remains a must-attend show allowing the design community to come together to discuss the newest topics and trends to impact the industry whilst giving serious buyers access to the latest product launches,” she concludes.