Index, the Middle East’s leading design trade show, returns to Dubai this month (May 24 to 26), bringing some of the industry’s biggest names to the world-renowned trade event. It will also showcase the region’s home-grown talent and welcome thousands of visitors for its 31st edition.

Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the expo will offer a range of expert talks, interactive activations and conferences with key industry players, making it the ultimate meeting place for professionals from across the design and fit-out industry, said the organiser dmg events.

Key speakers include Isabel Pintado, the Senior Vice President of Design and Innovation of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Paul Bishop, Owner and Founder of Bishop Design, Thomas Lundgren, the Founder and CEO, of THE One Total Home Experience LLC, Gilbert Boustany, General Manager of Projects Delivery at Chalhoub Group and Chris Barnes, Owner and Founder of Broadway Interiors.

New for this year will be the Retail Leadership Forum, a dedicated conference for senior retail buyers and leaders providing retailers insight and intelligence into the latest trends and topics. Key topics will include the future of the industry post-pandemic, what key buying trends there are for 2023 and how to adapt a retail brand identity.

“It’s time to feed the demand for knowledge at a critical time for commerce,” said Elaine O’Connell, Vice President – Design and Hospitality Division at dmg events. “Retail leaders and buyers will find out the latest in consumer trends, the latest in logistics strategy and detailed procurement techniques.”

An essential part of Index is the Design Talks, in association with Geberit, bringing together many of the region’s experts and thought leaders. This is a unique opportunity to interact with a wide range of industry stakeholders and ensures that it captures a wide range of discussion about the technical, aesthetic market and strategic issues on which the industry revolves.

The Work Design Summit offers a fascinating insight into the future of office interiors, a cutting-edge event now a hub for regional and international architects, interior designers, purchasing and buying managers, as well as top company executives. 

Among the highlights of this year’s Work Design Summit are insights into post-pandemic workplace trends, adapting to current trends, and employees’ new expectations. Experts will discuss the future of workplace and office design, and hybrid working, identifying trends, technology, and transformation, as well as art in commercial spaces.

A range of big industry names will be on hand for free-to-attend conferences and live engagements, sharing knowledge and keeping the industry up to date with the latest trends and developments from the heart of the industry.