Surface Design Middle East to equip MENA design sector for construction market worth $336bln
The 5th edition of Middle East’s premier event for flooring, wall covering and ceiling solutions Surface Design Middle East will take place, as a part of Middle East Design and Hospitality Week 2019, from 17th – 19th September 2019 at Dubai World Trade Centre. According to a BMI Research report, ‘the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) construction market is expected to be worth US$336 billion by 2020’. Real estate projects spanning hospitality, retail and residential are driving the demand in architecture and interior products. At the event, architects, interior designers, consultants, contractors, other related industry professionals as well as CEOs, GMs and MDs will have access to an extensive range of products that include surface materials, composite flooring, textiles and wall coverings that will bolster their offerings to cater to the forecasted demand.
BNC Projects Journal estimates that there are currently over 15,000 projects in the UAE estimated at $791 billion and $827.4 billion in Saudi Arabia. Urban construction contributes 45 per cent of planned and ongoing work in the GCC and is valued at $1.08 trillion.
Hotel industry analysts STR’s April 2019 pipeline data revealed there are 424 hotel projects accounting for 125,052 rooms in construction in the Middle East. According to ProTenders, ‘the UAE had 652 hospitality projects worth $107.8bn under way as of April 2019’.
In the retail space, the head of research at JLL MENA shared that 700,000 square meters of additional space is due to be complete in 2019 and 2020, and BNC Projects Journal revealed there are 674 planned or upcoming healthcare projects estimated at $51.6 billion in the GCC. Reidin highlights that construction in the residential sector leads the way with 76,500 units in the pipeline for 2020, according to announcements made by developers.
Sharing insight on trends in decorative surfaces across sectors, Madhusudhan Rao, CEO, Danube Group says, “Sustainable Design, Smart Space Planning, International Aesthetics with local flavor are amongst the few trends that are popular in the GCC.
“Residences have become way softer with nature inspired themes over the last few years. Schools too have bright and attractive design features that makes the students feel positive and welcoming. Moreover, the hospitals in the GCC have also understood and realised the need of the hour i.e. how a good surface design can immensely help in improving the mood and health of the patients along with the feeling of well-being, keeping the hygiene a top most priority”.
The Show will host a specialised selection of modern surface materials expertly curated by MaterialDistrict the world’s leading network in the field of innovative materials. All materials have been selected exclusively for interiors and design related professionals that have functional properties as well as aesthetic ones.
In line with the theme ‘My Modern Materials’, on display will be a unique range of surface options that include carpet made of palm leaves, tiles made of oyster shells, engineered wood, cork textile and bamboo composites and even materials made of coffee grounds and acoustic felt made of recycled denim. Visitors will also get to experience 3D printed materials, smart interactive materials and healthy bio-based material sources.
Michel Oud, Operations Manager at Material District says, “We look forward the most to introducing visitors of Surface Design Middle East to the newest and most innovative materials in our collection and inspire them to design for a better tomorrow”.
Tony Crinion, Portfolio Director – dmg events Design Division said, “There is a strong pipeline of construction and refurbishment projects in MENA which will impact the interior design and fit-out industry in the region. Interior designers, architects, even end users across residential, hospitality, health and fitness, education, industrial sectors are exploring possibilities where aesthetics, functionality, durability, technology, sustainability converge when choosing surfaces. In that respect, Surface Design Middle East will be incredibly relevant for professionals and decision makers in the region’s design sector”.
Surface Design Middle East is co-located alongside INDEX, Workspace, FIM, The Hotel Show, The Leisure Show, and INDEX Home as part of Middle East Design & Hospitality Week 2019.
