Spain at Downtown Design 2018, the gateway event for the Middle East

Hosting over 175 brands, including 40 regional designers, the sixth edition of Downtown Design will open on 13th November 2018, presenting a carefully edited roster of brands across a range of product categories, including furniture, lighting, bathrooms, kitchens, textiles and accessories.

Since its launch in 2013, the fair has consolidated as the only showcase in the Middle East dedicated to original, high quality designs and bespoke solutions. Its growing reputation emphasises Dubai’s position as a thriving design destination while offering and unparalleled platform for introducing the international industry to business opportunities in the region.

Balancing iconic names with emerging brands and developing an extensive buyers’ programme, Downtown Design provides a dynamic environment for architects and interior designers to network and interact easily and efficiently with local and international names. This year, the international presence is reinforced by the group of 6 Spanish brands that will exhibit under the brand of Mueble de España: AGRIPPA, GANDIABLASCO, KRISKADECOR, MARSET, SANCAL and VONDOM.

NADIA table, SARA BOND chairs, CASIOPEA mirror. AGRIPPA

The Spanish contingent, organized by ANIEME (Spanish National Association of Furniture Manufacturers and Exporters) and with the support of ICEX (Spanish Foreign Trade Agency), will put on display a choice of unique products aimed at the residential, hospitality and commercial markets.

PERGOLA sunshade & SALER SOFT outdoor lounge furniture. GANDIABLASCO

The constantly evolving landscape of the Middle East brings a world of opportunities for Spanish design brands that wish to unlock their potential in the Middle East interior design market and establish new collaborations with the region’s architects and interior designers.

VALENTINA outdoor collection by Alejandra Gandia-Blasco. GANDIABLASCO

According to a BMI Research report, positive demographics, gradually rising oil prices, and ambitious economic diversification agendas throughout the region will fuel Mena’s outperformance in the coming years. As a result, the Middle East and North African construction markets are expected to be worth 36 billion by 2020, up from 35 billion in 2016, a net growth of 43 percent. The UAE and Qatar, in particular, emerge as outperforming markets for tourism infrastructure, as the hosting of major events – Dubai Expo 2020 in the former, the FIFA World Cup 2022 in the latter – has boosted the attractiveness of these markets’ real estate sectors and the international interest in them.

DB lounge furniture collection by Santiago Castaño. SANCAL

Together with the residential market, hospitality has been over the latest years one of the targeted sectors for Spanish furniture and lighting companies that have worked on major projects all over the region:

Spanish projects in Asia and the Middle East>>>

According to ESTACOM statistics for the period January to June 2018, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE have ranked among the 20 top markets for Spanish furniture brands, positioning 12th, 16th and 17th respectively. In the same period, other MENA countries, such as Morocco, Algeria and Qatar, have also appeared among the main purchasers of Spanish furniture products. Altogether, sales to MENA countries accounted for 9% of the total exports.

SHAPE FRAME solutions. Space dividers. KRISKADECOR

Actively targeting a relevant and high-quality audience, the fair is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors, including from high-end design buyers and decision makers, through principals of international architectural firms to renowned interior designers, retailers and hospitality specifiers, press and influencers.

ULM outdoor lounge collection by Ramón Esteve. VONDOM

If you happen in Dubai, don’t miss the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the Spanish lifestyle. Just a stylish way to enjoy life…