The UAE accounts for up to two-thirds of an estimated $22 billion worth of interior design contracting projects from 2009 to 2010 in the GCC, according to the organisers of a leading interiors trade fair.

Domotex Middle East, the only international trade fair for carpets and floor coverings in the MENA region, has also revealed that the interior design contracting covers all flooring requirements of construction projects; on average it makes up between 15 to 20 per cent of the total project value.

The trade fair, scheduled to be held from   May 10 to 12 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (Dicec), will showcase a complete range of carpets and floor coverings including hand-made and machine-made carpets; textile and resilient floor coverings; parquet and other wood floors; laminates; floors for sports arenas and sports facilities; fibres, yarns and textiles; application and floor laying techniques and equipment; machinery and technology; ceramic tiles, natural stone floors and marble floors.

'The latest studies clearly show that demand for carpets and flooring solutions are increasing in view of the relatively large number of construction projects in the GCC, including several projects in the process of completion,' stated Angela Schaschen, MD, Deutsche Messe Dubai Branch, organisers of the event.

'The UAE is particularly a key investment destination as it accounts for two-thirds of the total value of projects in the region. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other GCC countries likewise remain important growth areas because of the steady increase in development activities in these markets,' she added.-TradeArabia News Service