Quality-driven interiors will be a determining factor for the success of upcoming high-end real estate projects, said experts ahead of Downtown Design, a key industry event which will be held in Dubai, UAE next month.

Downtown Design is the Middle East platform for original design held under the patronage of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the head of the ‘Higher Advisory Committee’ of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

The expert opinion comes following a report released last month forecasting the continued growth of the UAE real estate sector with the luxury real estate and hotel projects continuing to make up the bulk of the projects in Dubai as the emirate prepares to host the World Expo in 2020.

“We are seeing the rise of designer hotels, restaurants, residences and offices in the UAE. This reflects the way people live, work and travel today as well as the growing number of design enthusiasts and professionals in the region. It is a trend that is not going away and will shape the evolution of the interiors sector for many decades to come,” said Cristina Romelli Gervasoni, the fair director of Downtown Design.

“The Fair provides a platform for the Middle East to access these global brands in a setting that allows for meaningful exchanges and recognizes Dubai’s growing role as a global design destination,” stated Gervasoni.

The event, which will be held from October 28 to 31 in Emaar’s Downtown Dubai, will bring together international and regional architects, interior designers, real estate developers, retail buyers, distributors and developers.

Downtown Design was launched last year, reflecting the strategic importance the emirate is placing on the design sector and its commitment to supporting such events and initiatives.

Trendsetters, as well as the world’s most respected design brands in key categories including furniture, lighting, kitchens, bathrooms, accessories, flooring, carpets and new technologies will take part.

Ahead of the event, Dubai’s design leaders assembled last week at a seminar led by Downtown Design, in association with Dubai Design District (d3), which focused on the theme of this year’s Fair, “Original Design”, reflecting the common factor in the sustainable growth of the design sector worldwide.
 
The seminar was held as part of a series of discussions that aim to provide a platform where field professionals can meet and share their thoughts with an increasingly broader audience, in line with the fair’s dedication to creating a culture that fosters originality in design in the Gulf region.

It was moderated by Richard Dean, the host of 'The Business Breakfast Show' on Dubai Eye radio station, and was attended by regional industry leaders and officials, including the Consul General of Italy in Dubai Giovanni Favilli and representatives from d3.

UAE designer and d3 ambassador Khalid Shafar, believes that bringing “Original Design” to a wide audience in the Middle East will help fuel the growth of the sector in the region.

"It’s important to study the masters to appreciate the true value of original design. Original design to me is when inspiration and craftsmanship meet innovation. Downtown Design is a unique initiative precisely because it focuses on quality and originality and maintains the highest standards in terms of the brands it showcases,” he noted. - TradeArabia News Service