CITEM propels 9 PH brands at UAE trade show INDEX Dubai

By Aly Dela Peña

To strengthen its reach in key regions around the world, the Philippines returns to INDEX Dubai, the largest gathering of the design community in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region, after its last participation in 2019. Set to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 27 to 29, 2025, the trade show attracts thousands of visitors, including architects, developers, interior designers, procurement professionals, and retailers from around the world.

Nine homegrown brands and enterprises will participate in the trade show that focuses on interior design and furniture. Bannering under DESIGNPhilippines, the country’s delegation will carry the theme “Handcrafted for the World,” underscoring the Philippines’ enduring strength in craftsmanship, artistry, and design-led product development. The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is leading the country’s participation.

CITEM has tapped acclaimed designer and storyteller Ito Kish to serve as the Creative Director for the country’s participation this year. His eponymous brand of over 25 years is renowned for its statement furniture pieces inspired by classic Filipino designs and forms. Kish will focus on product curation  and  visual merchandising of the Philippine pavilion to support participating exhibitors as they try to impress buyers from the MENA market.

From the Philippines to the world

Leveraging the country’s brand of craftsmanship and heritage, the collections to be featured in INDEX Dubai include furniture and home decor made mostly of sustainable materials such as clay, leather, stone, rattan, and wood.

Arksmith, a furniture design and manufacturing brand and one of the Philippine exhibitors, will unveil its latest offering The Ysla Collection at the show. This new line pays tribute to sustainability and community storytelling, celebrating local craftsmanship and advocating for the preservation of both cultural and natural heritage. Another exhibitor, Red Slab Pottery, already has a strong market presence in the region. The brand takes pride in using secondary clay deposits to handcraft terracotta slabs, tiles, and jars using traditional techniques.

 Other products that will be featured at the Philippine pavilion are garden and outdoor furniture and accessories from Aerostone and Fifty One All Weather Furniture; home decor and furniture from Prizmic & Brill, South Sea Veneer, and Studio Moodism; and accessories and clutch bags from Kitsilver and Mindanao Pearl Center.

DESIGNPhilippines is also expanding its sourcing repertoire to raw materials through the participation of Uratex, a leading foam manufacturer in the country. The brand is widely known for its extensive lineup of products, including mattresses, pillows, bed accessories, and furniture.

CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo emphasized the importance of INDEX Dubai as a platform to reach new global markets. “We are committed to bringing Filipino design and manufacturing capabilities to the forefront of the global stage,” she said. “With MENA’s rising demand brought by industry diversification, we believe Philippine enterprises from the home sector can contribute to this transformation.”

The MENA region is seeing growth in the interior design and furniture sector, with market forecasts indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.74% between 2025 and 2029. This would bring the total market value to an estimated US$10.35 billion by 2029. Key drivers include increased infrastructure investments, tourism development, and large-scale projects under national efforts like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s economic reforms.

The Philippine pavilion at INDEX Dubai will be situated at the Trade Centre Arena, alongside other major international exhibitors. INDEX Dubai 2025 is co-located with two other key events: WORKSPACE, focused on office design and innovation, and The Hotel Show, targeting hospitality interiors. The shows are projected to draw over 30,000 trade visitors.

CITEM is also the organizer of Manila FAME, the Philippines’ leading trade show for premium home, fashion, and lifestyle products. Its next edition is set on October 16–18, 2025 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City.

For more information on Manila FAME, go to https://fameplus.com/manila_fame.