The 21st edition of Index, the interiors and design exhibition, will comprise six product-specific shows, the organisers said.

These have been named by organisers dmg events as furnishings, retail, kitchen and bathroom lighting, outdoor living and textiles. More than 800 exhibitors representing top international brands from 49 countries are set to take part in the event to be staged across 20,000 sq m at the Dubai World Trade Centre from October 22 to 25. There will be 20 national pavilions.

“The introduction of the product-specific shows solidifies Index’s position as the ‘must attend’ design show for industry professionals from the Mena region,” said Paula Al Chami, event director for Index.

“Based on insights and feedback we received from the market and from our visitors, 68 per cent of the people wanted the show to be product-specific while the remainder wanted to see products split by the manufacturing nation, so we now offer both,” Al Chami said.

“We believe this structure will allow exhibitors to effectively present their products and services to the right audience and also make it easier for visitors to navigate throughout our very large exhibition,” she added.

The new product-specific shows at Index will showcase a line-up of top international manufacturers and brands, bringing their latest products, trends and design innovation to this region.

“Visitors to the show can also look forward to the highest number of additional show features the show has ever had,” Al Chami said.

“We are introducing interactive features alongside each of the new product-specific show sectors, generic features, conferences, competitions and panel discussions and CES seminars.  With nearly 90 per cent of our visitors looking to Index for networking and inspiration, there will be something in it for everybody,” she added.

A feature of the coming Index will be InRetail Summit 2011. Also planned are a student design challenge event, a Majlis design competition, an architecture award and an interior design congress organised by the Association of Professional Interior Designers (Apid).