Despite a slowdown in the global economy, the Office Exhibition has achieved 60 per cent growth in 2009, and will be the largest office fit-out and design exhibition in the Middle East when it opens in Dubai in March.

The exhibition organisers, dmg world media, said sales are up by 60 per cent compared to last year, with total exhibition space at 13,573 sqm, up from 8,312 sqm in 2008.

A record line-up of 365 exhibitors will participate in this year’s edition, from March 3 to 5, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, compared to 282 in 2008, said a statement.

Furthermore, international participation at the event has substantially increased, with 245 exhibitors from abroad, compared to 153 at last year’s show.

Sinead Bridgett, exhibition director at dmg world media said that in the current economic climate, local and international businesses in the office sector are looking for ways to forge new business partnerships and the Middle East is still an attractive market for companies looking to expand their operations beyond Europe, the UK and the US.

'Due to the large amounts of construction now reaching completion and the commercial sector still expanding with companies needing bigger workspaces, the Office Exhibition has seen exceptional growth in the last 12 months.'

'There is also a growing need for public sector fit-outs and refurbishments across the region, opening up many doors for businesses involved in buying and specifying for a wide range of public sector buildings, such as schools, hospitals and universities.'

“The strong growth of the Office Exhibition in 2009 is testament that businesses see many opportunities in the MENA region, despite the global economic slowdown.”

Now in its eighth year, the Office Exhibition will provide a platform for some of the industry’s biggest names such as Estel Office SpA, B&B Italia, Vitra International AG, Unifor SpA, Allsteel – HNI International, Herman Miller, Frezza SpA, Steelcase and Al Shamsi to showcase premium, high-end and innovative office product designs and services.

The event will feature 12 national pavilions including Italy, Spain, Germany, UK, Turkey, Cyprus, Portugal and Korea. The Spanish, German and Italian pavilions will be the largest, comprising of 70 companies in total.

In addition, 64 companies will participate in the event for the first time, including Kinnarps Project Solutions (KPS), Kruger International, THONET GmbH, Upper and BN Office Solution.

Over 7000 trade professionals from all office sectors attended last year’s show and visitor numbers are expected to increase this year.

A dedicated networking area – The Indy Lounge – will provide an area for exhibitors and visitors to meet and discuss new business partnerships away from the busy show floor.

The two-day ‘Office Talks’ seminar, new to the show in 2009 will provide a forum for industry experts to share their knowledge on a wide range of issues including office design and fit-out solutions, sustainability, workplace productivity and facilities management.-TradeArabia News Service