The world's major suppliers of furniture, fixtures and fittings are descending on Dubai for the opening of Index, the largest interiors event of its kind in the Middle East and Asia.

The five-day event opens on Wednesday at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre and is expecting in excess of 35,000 visitors. Nearly 1,700 companies from 56 countries took part in last year's show, including 35 major country pavilions, said an official spokesman.

According to organisers dmg world media Dubai, Index 2008 will accommodate 2,000 exhibitors.

While there may be some slowing down over the coming years in major new projects, there are still record breaking contracts across the GCC countries for the fit-out of commercial and residential buildings, hotels, retail outlets and mixed-use developments reaching completion next year, according to Index exhibition director Kim Willis.

'Budgets for the interior fit out of buildings reaching completion next year and in 2010 continue to show there is still tremendous demand for residential, contract and public furniture,” Willis said.

Talented young interior designers in the UAE have been given the opportunity to break into the big time at Index which is hosting the winners of Al Habtoor Interiors' Young Designers Award on a special stand that will include a mock up of the winning entry.

First place went to a team from the American University of Sharjah who won a prize of Dh15,000 ($4,084), the fabrication of a section of their winning design at Index and internship at Al Habtoor ISG.

Second place went to a team from Ajman University, who won a prize of Dh10,000. Third place went to a team from MAHE Manipal University with a Dh5,000 prize. The awards and certificates will be presented to the students on Thursday.

In another regional first, Index will be displaying the best of product design from the Red Dot Museum in Essen, Germany. The red dot on a product signifies high quality, outstanding design and functionality.

Introduced at the recently concluded BIG 5 construction trade fair, Index organisers are repeating the successful 'park-and-ride' scheme to reduce traffic congestion around the event.

In addition to the normal car parks at the venue, the event will be served by additional car parks around Dubai with buses linking them to the centre. Special buses will link with hotels in Saikh Zayed Road and major shopping malls. – TradeArabia News Service