A  number of interior designers, architects, manufactures and suppliers are in Abu Dhabi to take part in the 'Interiors UAE 2009' expo which opened its doors on Sunday.

Interiors UAE, which runs till April 1 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, looks set to double last year's figure of 3,500 participants with the appeal of renowned local and international expertise available throughout the course of the exhibition, the event organisers UBM Live said.

The expo comes at a time when there is a huge demand in the Middle East for new and innovative design concepts, the organisers added.

Commenting on the response, Cathy Oates, exhibition director, UBM Live said: 'Interiors UAE 2009 has very strong international and local exhibitors participating. Visitors have been thrilled with the diversity of products showcased and we are already receiving very positive feedback from those that attended today.'

'The Middle East is a key market, with many projects both underway and planned. The expo is proving to be an essential platform for companies that are based here as well as those looking to break into the market,' Oates pointed out.

'The visitors have access to detailed information on the very latest projects, future forecasts and industry trends,' she added.

The expo will also sees a number of experts at seminars including: World of International interior design – Karen Howes (Taylor Howes), Culture connect: the art & craft of preserving heritage in modern times - Neetal Patel & Parvez Mangalorewala (Luxury Cushions), Metamorphosis...A new era to a Contemporary Mosque, Fariborz Hatam (Adeas), and Sustainable life - Nader Azab (Zayed University).

The exhibition has provided the perfect platform for UK based Luxury Cushions to launch their new collection, styled on the ‘whirling dervishes’ of ancient tradition.

To mark this launch, Luxury Cushions have unveiled the 'largest cushion in the world.' A 'Guinness World Record, official from London will be at the event to certify the cushion.

Over the next three days Global Color Research will be inviting a select group of Middle Eastern professionals to their seminars to create the colours of the Middle East for 2011.

During these sessions professionals will be available to share their thoughts in colour trends for the Interior Design Industry (2011) and speak with other contemporaries about their personal views.-TradeArabia News Service