More than 230 exhibitors from across the globe are taking part in the inaugural Middle East Stone Show, which opened in Dubai, UAE, today.

The region’s only exhibition dedicated to showcase stone, marble and ceramics from around the world, the Middle East Stone Show runs till May 21 featuring more than 5,500 products from 22 countries.

With the value of GCC construction projects completed this year climbing 6.5 per cent to $71.97 billion, architects, designers and contractors in the region are looking to source the best-quality products available on the market, said experts citing a report by Ventures Middle East.

The debut show was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, who later visited different stalls and inspected the large selection of marble, stone and ceramic products on display.

Also kicking off at the show this year is the Designers’ Forum, a dedicated event tailored to meet the needs of the design community using natural stone and ceramics in both interior and exterior design.

Taking place from May 19 to 20, the event will provide a dynamic platform for discussion and sharing best practice for interior designers, architects, consultants, contractors, manufacturers and anyone involved in specifying, fabricating or installing natural stone materials in the built environment, said the organiser.

The forum will also provide practical guidance on stone selection, preventing and treating stone defects, design and installation of high-performance, natural stone facades, natural stone sustainability and more, it stated.

“We are delighted to introduce the Middle East Stone Show to the region’s marble, stone and ceramics industry, in response to the huge demand not only from producers and manufacturers, but the designers, architects and contractors who want to source the finest materials for their projects,” remarked Mark Goodchild, the event director of Middle East Stone (MES).

“By bringing together major players from the local and international market, we aim to provide a platform for this huge market and highlight the benefits it brings for the stone, marble and ceramic industry,” he stated.

The Middle East Stone Show will feature 15 technical and design showcases, six practical workshops, panel discussions and more across the four days of the event, with more than 40 CPD (continuing professional development) certified seminars about the latest global stone design, technologies, methodologies of testing and maintenance, and local, regional and international expert speakers.

“With stone now accounting for as much as 12 per cent of the cost for some projects, understanding how to make best use of related products and what they can add to a development is critical for delivering successful projects. Therefore, a dedicated platform for knowledge-sharing and understanding of the latest innovations is a welcome addition to the industry calendar,” remarked Barry Swayn, the director for Design & Architecture, Storm Associates.

"By bringing together local, regional and international experts, the Designer’s Forum will generate dynamic debate, provide network opportunities and advance industry knowledge in the Middle East. We all have a lot to learn on this dynamic subject and look forward to participation from all perspectives," added Swayn.

Middle East Stone is a dedicated event to the region’s thriving stone industry. The show, created by the organisers of The Big 5, runs alongside other dmg events such as Index, workspace at Index and Middle East Covering.-TradeArabia News Service