The total spending for the UAE interior design segment is forecasted to grow to $22.5 billion this year, a report said.

Total spending for the GCC’s interior design segment is expected to grow in 2011, signifying a dramatic increase from last year’s recorded figure of $56.9 billion, added the recent report from Proleads, a leading business intelligence and research firm.

The increase in services can be seen in the UAE’s current batch of world-class development projects like hotels, mixed-use projects and villas. The strong growth balances the number of projects from 2009 to 2010, which totaled $21.8 billion - with the UAE representing two-thirds of the total project value, the report said.

In line with the report, the Association of Professional Interior Designers (Apid), an organisation for professional interior designers in the Gulf Region, has also shared that there is an increased demand for interior design services across the GCC in general and the UAE, in particular.

“The GCC’s interior design industry is currently witnessing rapid growth and development and is strongly reflected in the high number of design projects that accompany the current batch of world class development projects in the region,” said Farida Kamber Al Awadhi, president, Apid.

“The increase in world-class development projects and the influx of leading interior design brands into the region is a reflection of the industry’s robustness and resilience amid the global economic downturn.”

“Apid affirms its commitment towards representing the best interests of the GCC’s design professionals and to provide them with a strategic platform that will allow them to strengthen business relationships and provide key opportunities for the region’s interior design community.”

Apid is currently preparing for the region’s first Festival of Interior Design (FOiD), which will be held from October 22 to 25 across Dubai.

The festival will be accompanied by the Interior Design Congress, which will run on October 22, and will entail a programme including four keynote speakers and two panel sessions featuring well-known design personalities.

“Apid remains steadfast in its commitment to improve the status and work environment of interior design professionals in the region, by implementing strategic initiatives and programs that are aimed at further developing and improving their interior design skills,” added Al Awadhi.

“These strategic programmes also aim at giving the region a better understanding of the interior design segment and the design professionals that make up the industry. We are upbeat of this projected growth and have set our sights on reinforcing our presence in other areas in the region, envisioning a wider reach for Apid members,” she concluded. – TradeArabia News Service