More than 100 leading firms from over 20 countries are set to exhibit in Decofair 2013, Saudi Arabia’s only premium international furniture and interior design show when it opens this weekend in Jeddah.

Running from November 29 to December 2 at the Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events, Decofair will feature regional and international suppliers, manufacturers and service providers in interior design industry.

The confirmed exhibitor list at this year’s Decofair reflects the growing status of Saudi Arabia as a design centre in the region.  World-renowned brands confirmed to exhibit include Swiss furniture company Vitra, French designer Kenzo Maison and Danish manufacturer BoConcept, as well as an inspirational pavilion showcasing design excellence from Asdi Sedia (Italian Chair District).

“The fact that so many key names from the international interior design market have chosen Decofair as their preferred event to exhibit and launch their latest products to the region—some even globally—demonstrates not only the importance of the show, but also the growing maturity of the Saudi Arabian design market,” said Naomi Barton, International Sales & Marketing director at event organiser Reed Sunaidi Exhibitions.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary at Decofair 2013, renowned UK upholsterer Duresta will bring its luxurious ‘Hornblower’ fabric to the region for the first time.

Clive Kenyon-Brown, chief executive of Duresta Upholster said: “As the only premium interior design show in Saudi Arabia,  Decofair 2013  provides the ideal opportunity for Duresta Upholstery to launch our latest, most luxurious fabric ‘Hornblower’ to an audience that appreciates luxury and heritage.”

Lomar Home, the collaboration between Saudi fashion brand Lomar and a group of French designers called Concept Me, represents a powerful example of great design within a cultural context.  The project uses the thobe as the central theme within the 14-piece collection of home furniture.

Loai Nassem, CEO of Lomar said, “After two years in the making we are thrilled to be launching our new project ‘Lomar Home (re) Defined’ at Decofair this year. The show represents a great opportunity to receive feedback from the industry and potential clients on our novel approach to furniture design.  It also allows us to network with key players in the industry and develop new business.”

This year’s Decofair sees the introduction of a number of new events and features within the main exhibition including Decofair Discussions, a series of talks and educational seminars covering topics such as the evolving role of the designer, the art of Islamic architecture, the future of design, global design trends and the art of Feng Shui and building design.

The show will feature the inaugural Decofair University Design Showcase, presented by Dar Al-Hekma College.  This feature provides a platform for the Kingdom’s most creative design students to showcase their work to Decofair’s captive visitor audience of design professionals.

In addition to the valuable networking and business development opportunities available at Decofair 2013, the show has confirmed it will host key design buyers from Saudi Arabia and the GCC through an extensive VIP / Hosted Buyer Programme. – TradeArabia News Service