Several European lifestyle and interiors brands debuted at Ambiente Arabia 2005, organised by IIR Exhibitions.

The show, held from April 11 to 14, at Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC), was one of the premier events for home-ware, gifts and interior décor products in the Middle East.
International exhibitors included UK-based artist Caroline Ashworth, who showcased exquisite hand-made lampshades in card, feathers, suede, silk, linen, parchment and paper, and ceramic artist Mary Rose Young, who displayed richly decorated pieces of pottery encrusted with flowers for the first time in the region.
Also making his first Middle East appearance was Austrian artist Michael Ferner, renowned for his special technique. Ferner blows ink on delicate Milanese paper with his mouth into different shapes and then fills in with watercolours.  Ferner was keen to sign up with art galleries in the region. The artist also retailed his original paintings, prints and postcards at the show.
The show featured several of the most influential contemporary designers and artists in the UK, under the British European Design Group (BEDG) ‘Visions of Beauty’ Pavilion. The artists sold exclusive design-led products, and were available for commissions and projects at the show.
Geoffrey Booy, exhibitions director of IIR Middle East, commented that Ambiente Arabia offered design industry professionals and home owners a never-before opportunity to view, purchase or commission unique interior accessories in Dubai itself. The event was a comprehensive showcase of designers, artists, and homeware and interiors accessories brands from across the world where 80 per cent of the brands at the show were new to the Middle East.
UAE-based Desert River, distributors of high-quality European lighting and electrical products showcased the KlikOnKlikOff wireless switching system range from the Netherlands. A first for the Middle East, the easy-to-install system allows users to control lights and electrical appliances with the touch of a button. The company also introduced Moonlights decorative lights from Germany. The lights can also be rented for events and since they are battery operated, they can be used in locations where no electricity is available, such as the desert or the beach.
Lighting exhibitors included LMW Lighting from Germany, one of the oldest chandelier and luster manufacturers, and Studio Design D of Poland, creators of modern and classic Swarovski Strass crystal chandeliers with light emitting diodes (LED) systems.
Another exhibitor was Denmark’s Flora Patricia, an art and interior accents firm specialising in the design of home interiors, decorations and furniture, including a broad range of outdoor furniture.
In glassware, Koe - Ko Konrad Kugeln, a German company, brought in exclusive Christmas baubles and decoration in glass or ceramics, all fabricated by traditional glass blowers and individually hand-painted. S.C. Millenium Art Style SRL from Romania showcased glass bowls, jewellery and candy boxes and ashtrays, among other things, from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. Biso from Belgium showcased small furniture and decoration items in leather and Samocasa from Greece displayed hand-made Swarovski curtain rods and knobs. UAE-based Allied Group displayed premium Italian Royal Crystal Rock brand Da Vinci Crystal.
Trade visitors and buyers could also purchase gift-sets, old-fashioned writing instruments and accessories such as seals, sealing wax, inks from Rubinato Italy, and exquisite handmade ‘Dona’ candles by the Donabauer family from Austria.