Few would dispute the role of both the retail and office design industries as key drivers of tourism and business growth in the region.

No surprise then at the overwhelming response to InRetail and the Office exhibitions both of which are well-known for representing every segment of the office design and retail industries. The exhibitions were held last month at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.
And as well a number of new exhibitors, the shows have marked then return of many companies from previous years. Turkish workplace designer, Nurus, for example, at the show for the sixth consecutive year, exhibited its latest designs in seating, partitioning, wall and storage systems.
Gary Millerick, general manager at UK-based Corporate Insignia, which does extensive business in the Middle East, explains why the shows continue to attract the world’s leading innovators in their respective fields.
“We probably do 10 shows a year and this is the most important one,” he enthuses. “If we only did one show, this would be the one.”
This is our second year. We like the show and have had a very good response to our stand,” confirms Rami Zaidan from UAE-based Al Aqili Furnishing, who also comments on the diverse cultural base that the show attracts.”
“Every year sees a massive jump in the international profile of these shows,” agrees Paula Al Chami, the exhibition organiser. “They have truly taken their place as two of the Middle East’s leading events. People who either visited or exhibited are already showing enormous interest in being part of next year’s event – and the planning starts now.”