The import of kitchen and bathroom products in the UAE will exceed $30 billion by the end of the year, while the imports across the GCC is expected a double-digit growth of over 15 per cent, according to experts.

The market has emerged as a key growth industry in the GCC, driven mainly by rising lifestyle standards, population growth, consumers’ hungry for buying innovative range of kitchen products, and a burgeoning tourism industry, said a statement.

It is expected to experience more growth as consumers in general continue to rapidly adopt innovative and exciting range of kitchen appliances, equipment, fittings and fixtures for their kitchen or bathroom, it said.

This was revealed by the Bridge Live Communications, organisers of the Kitchen and Bath Exhibition Abu Dhabi, ahead of its debut from April 21 to 23 next year at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The event will provide an opportunity to the region’s kitchen and bathroom industry professionals and corporates to meet, network and do business.

The GCC imports kitchen and bathroom products worth $162 billion and re-exports over 16 per cent. The latest GCC interior market intelligence report predicted that the value of interior market in the GCC will increase by eight per cent this year with the expected import of $200 billion.

Syed Razvi, COO of Bridge Live Communications, said: “The double-digit annual growth for kitchen and bath market is mainly due to the rising demand for new convergence products and household appliances. Smart kitchen concept is gaining momentum in the region, where gadgets are replacing the conventional cooking techniques focusing on saving space.”

“The purpose of launching such an exhibition in Abu Dhabi is to facilitate the growth of kitchen and bath industry in the region. This exhibition, as an ideal platform for industry leaders and affiliates from across the globe to showcase the latest products, trends and technological innovations in the industry, would significantly contribute to the growth of the kitchen equipment and bath materials market in the region,” said Razvi.

“Our vision is to be the only platform in the Middle East that will match investors, suppliers and consumers under one roof arranging platform for B2B and B2C meetings, and opportunity for direct interactions, resulting in emerging new markets and close long-term deals. Our mission is to make Abu Dhabi the regional hub for kitchen and bath market by the year 2015, by making the exhibition an annual regular event,” he said.

“We will also promote globalisation and the emergence of green products, hosting industry players that cover every step involved in the process of renovating and building kitchens and bathrooms. The event would provide solutions for a convenient kitchen and a spacious bathroom that can make a huge difference to one's home,” said Razvi.

The exhibition will showcase a range of appliances, equipment, fittings and fixtures for kitchens and bathrooms; in addition to the latest technologies, inspiring designs and value-added solutions.

The range of products will include kitchen and bath accessories, appliances, building materials and maintenance systems, kitchen cabinets, countertops, flooring, hardware; in addition to showcasing the latest in kitchen and bath technology, kitchen and bath lighting and outdoor living and plumbing.

The participants of the show will include manufacturers, dealers, fabricators, installers, builders, remodelers, architects, cabinet shops, consultants, designers, distributors, home centres, and decorative plumbing and hardware professionals. - TradeArabia News Service