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INDEX to host Third Annual Contemporary Majlis Competition

Six finalists selected from over 60 designers across the globe

Designs to showcase the future of the traditional Arabic space

Winner to be announced on the first day of INDEX 2011

DUBAI, UAE, August 29, 2011: The Contemporary Majlis Competition will run for the third consecutive time at this year's INDEX Exhibition, the Middle East and North Africa's largest and longest established Interiors and Design Exhibition, from October 22-25, 2011. This year's competition will feature six leading Middle East interior designers who will be tasked with designing a contemporary Majlis, showcasing their vision of the traditional Arabic space with a modern cutting edge and innovative design.

This year's six finalist designers include Sinmar Al-Said of Internal Line Interior Design, Ghandour El Habre of Khatib & Alami, Mimi Shakshashir of o'de rose, Carrie Das of AHK International, Basak Yuksel of PF Emirates Interiors and Sven Mueller of SVEN M.

"The INDEX Contemporary Majlis Competition has come a long way from its inception in 2009, both in style and popularity. The Majlis concept is especially relished by the younger generation who look for an environment that celebrates Arab culture, but at the same time embraces innovation and contemporary style. Through the competition, INDEX has provided an unbiased platform to nurture and bring interior design talent to the limelight making the competition a vital part of the show," said Paula Al Chami, Event Director for INDEX.

INDEX 2011 did a 'Call for Submission' for this year's competition and received an overwhelming 60 plus applications from qualified interior designers and architects in different parts of the world, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Africa and the US.

Six finalists were selected by the jury based on the design layout and concept of their Majlis. The jury panel for this year's competition is formed by Elise Nassour, Head of Studio at the Engineers Office, Robert Reid of the American University of Sharjah, Dariush Zandi of Total Art, Jenny Eagle of Commercial Interior Design Magazine and last year's competition winner, Rashida Rajkotwalla of Design Work Portfolio.

Elise Nassour, Head of Studio at the Engineers Office said, "The Contemporary Majlis Competition is an exciting opportunity to showcase new ideas, where Designers are challenged with the interpretation of the traditional Majlis - the heart of an Arabic home - in a contemporary and modern expression. We are seeking designs that encapsulate the rich traditions of the Majlis but in a fresh contemporary and innovative approach that doesn't lose the essence of the Arabic culture. This year's entries have been outstanding in the diversity of approach and ideas, from the eclectic to the outrageous, and provided a challenge for us Jurors to select the six finalists. We believe the six finalists will provide an excellent demonstration of design vision and experimentation, which combines past and present elements and provides a platform for future design directions for the Majlis."

Once the jury panel visits the finalist's showcases live at this year's show, the winner will be announced on the 22^nd of October at INDEX at the Dubai World Trade Centre .

INDEX 2011

INDEX 2011 is expanding its market lead this year by featuring over 800 exhibitors spread across 20,000 sqm, representing top international brands from across 49 countries. Taking place across an increased ten halls at the Dubai World Trade Centre , INDEX 2011 will evolve its profile by introducing a brand new line up of six product-specific shows under the INDEX brand including Furnishings*, InRetail, Kitchen & Bathroom, Lighting, Outdoor Living and Textiles. Running for the 21^st consecutive year, the exhibition will also showcase 20 national pavilions, providing product specification by country.

More information on the exhibition is available at www.indexexhibition.com

For media registration, visit www.indexexhibition.com/press

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About INDEX:
The INDEX International Design Exhibition is the largest event for the architect and design industry in the Middle East. It attracts more than 800 exhibitors from 49 countries, taking place at the Dubai International Conference & Exhibition Centre.

For 21 years INDEX has provided a business and networking opportunity for buyers and sellers of interiors products and services from around the world to source an astounding array of the very latest design innovation, trends and techniques.

More than an exhibition, the event provides attendees with unrivalled access to information, intelligence, contacts and hands on experience. Experts from around the world engage in the industry's most topical discussions, finding solutions, facing challenges and seizing opportunities. The show is the gateway to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) providing both exhibitors and visitors with the opportunity to conduct serious business with like-minded professionals.

About dmg :: events
The INDEX Exhibition is organised by dmg :: events (formerly known as dmg world media), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT, www.dmgt.co.uk), one of the largest media companies in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1989, the company now manages over 80 exhibitions, conferences and online platforms for a variety of industries in up to 25 countries each year.

dmg :: events is a leading supplier of face-to-face business information, with a customer-centric focus that localizes operations and relationships. Its objectives are to keep businesses informed and connect them with relevant consumers to create vibrant marketplaces across multiple event platforms. dmg :: events is divided into the following five divisions:

Energy (including the Global Petroleum Show, Gastech, World Heavy Oil Congress and others)

GLM (including the New York International Gift Fair, Surf Expo, ICFF and others)

Middle East (ADIPEC, The Big 5, INDEX, the Hotel Show, the Office Exhibition, Reflex Publishing and others)

Leadership Conferences (including CIO, CFO, CMO and HR events)

Digital Marketing (including ad:tech, iMEdia Summits and iMedia Connection)

For more information, please contact:
Iman Ahmed
Asdaa Burson Marsteller
Phone: 04 3344550
Mobile: 050 2058021

© Press Release 2011