A premier interiors products and designs exhibition, which ended on April 1, has received a record number of visitors, according to a statement.

The four-day show Interiors UAE 2009, which opened on March 29 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, drew more than 3,500 visitors, highlighting the Middle East’s burgeoning interiors market.

The exhibition provided an ideal platform to accentuate local flair, with Middle Eastern companies and designers such as Alpha Crystal, Alomi, and Bost Trading, showcasing creative products and designs.

The Decorex International pavilion made its debut this year bringing with it names such as Cole and Son, Gingerlilly, Andrew Martin, and Bery Designs, all of whom wowed visitors with their inspiring stands.

Luxury Cushions revealed their attempt for the largest cushion in the world, marking the launch of their new collection, which was witnessed by a high profile team from Guinness World Records.

A line up of seminars provided visitors with insight into future trends and covered topics such as: Sustainable life, Culture connect: the art & craft of preserving heritage in modern times, Metamorphosis.......a new era to a contemporary Mosque, and the world of international interior design.

Global Color Research returned to this years show with an interactive feature. A colour workshop at their stand saw some of the Middle East’s key industry personnel create two unique colour palettes for the 2011 market.

“We are very pleased with the show, this is our first time here and we have seen some really good quality visitors,” said Daniele Furlan of Air Nova. “In a time of crisis you have to look at the cash rich cities and Abu Dhabi fits that bill at the moment. We will be back next year.”

“Sunday and Monday were really successful days for us, we have seen a good quality of visitor coming through the doors and feel that Abu Dhabi is a great city to be in,” said Thomas Lee, Poggenpohl (Kitchens & Beyond). “This is our first time in the region and we hope to be back next year.”

Cathy Oates, exhibition director of UBM Live, said: “Interiors UAE 2009 has surpassed our expectations. Last year we received a very positive response from exhibitors and visitors alike and from the turn out we’ve received this year we are confident that this success will continue.”

“The Middle East is increasingly becoming a key market, with much ingenuity, originality, and creativeness emerging,” she added.

“We will be working hard to make sure next years event is even more successful, with so much construction still taking place we believe we have the perfect platform for new and established designers to enter into this flourishing market.

“We are confident that we will return with an even more spectacular exhibition at Interiors UAE 2010.” – TradeArabia News Service