The two internationally reputed trade shows DOMOTEX Middle East & R+T Middle East are back again from 12 – 14 September 2011

Dubai, 22^nd February 2011. DOMOTEX Middle East is the only international trade show for carpets and floor coverings in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and once again will be held from 12^th – 14^th September 2011 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre alongside R+T Middle East – the region’s specialised trade fair for roller shutters, doors/gates, windows and sun protection systems, combining a unique synergy between two internationally reputed trade show profiles.

Angela Schaschen, Managing Director of Deutsche Messe Dubai Branch, explained that the potential for business in the building and construction sector in the Gulf region remains enormous, even despite the recent set backs caused by the global economic downturn. “The Middle East has scores of large projects under way once more across a wide spectrum of sectors, especially real estate, tourism and infrastructure. This can only have positive benefits for both the industry segments we will be showcasing,” she said.

“The key target groups for DOMOTEX Middle East 2011 are wholesalers and retailers, decision-makers from the construction industry, as well as architects, interior decorators and designers, project planners and developers. The event will feature a wealth of hand-made and machine-made rugs and carpets; textile and resilient floor coverings; parquet and other wood flooring; laminates; ceramic tiles, natural stone and marble; floor coverings for sport facilities; fibres, yarns and textiles, application and floor laying techniques and equipment; machinery and technology for the floor covering industry,” Schaschen continued.

“A special hard-flooring section has also been added to DOMOTEX Middle East 2011. The regional flooring market sees increased demand for specialised flooring applications with increased number of retail, government, hospitality, and commercial projects opting for the latest products and innovations in stone, marble, granites, mosaic and ceramic flooring.

“The strong re-emergence of the construction sector across the region represents a tremendous source of potential business opportunities for the entire spectrum of carpets and floor covering categories and the latest products and innovations in roller shutters, doors/gates, windows & sun protection systems. Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming the key market, with the Kingdom currently having US$624 billion worth of projects planned or underway across the GCC. It is expected to award contracts worth US$86 billion in 2011. The UAE and Qatar too are exhibiting strong growth with multibillion dollar projects already underway.

“Across the Middle East, 98 new hotels with more than 27,000 rooms were built in 2010, and a further 115 hotels with around 33,000 rooms are scheduled to be opened in 2011. In the member countries of the GCC alone, 48 new hotels with about 15,000 rooms opened in 2010. In the United Arab Emirates between 5,000 and 6,000 new hotel rooms have been created in the last twelve months; and Saudi Arabia is increasing its capacity to meet the growing numbers of guests. If everything goes according to plan, Saudi Arabia will boast a further 21 hotels offering some 7,000 to 8,000 rooms by 2013.”

“The significant increase in industrial projects across the region, coupled with the construction sector growth, means that the exhibitors at the second edition of R+T Middle East have a lot to look forward to", explains Schaschen.

2010 was the first year that R+T Middle East was launched jointly with DOMOTEX Middle East. R+T is a spin-off show from R+T Stuttgart, the world’s largest and leading international trade fair for roller shutters, doors/gates, windows and sun protection systems.

R+T Middle East 2011 will feature a comprehensive range of specialised products and services, including roller shutters and accessories; windows, window shutters and accessories; awnings; Venetian blinds and roller blinds; doors/gates and accessories; drive and control systems; electrical security equipment; business fittings and furnishings; and technical literature.

Angela Schaschen added that DOMOTEX Middle East has gained in its stature as a specialised vertical trade show from focussed flooring industry experts. The 2011 edition has picked up momentum in stand bookings and shows very encouraging signs to maintain its position as the leading event within its profile in the entire Middle East. The 2010 edition of DOMOTEX and R+T Middle East together witnessed 4,864 buyers from over 75 countries from around the world. Over 175 exhibitors from Europe, MENA, Far East and Indian Subcontinent showcased their new product lines and innovations.

“The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iran led the influx of visitors by country of origin; and their main purpose of visiting was looking for new suppliers (56%), Meeting current suppliers (29%) and seeing the latest trends and developments (28%). 81% of these visits were determined by investment plans and fully 70% of all visitors placed orders during the show,” she concluded.

Further information on the shows can be found at www.domotex-middle-east.com and www.rt-middle-east.com