Guide to the UAE's biggest design events

There's a design-tastic line-up of events planned for the end of this month, as Index, the UAE's largest and most established interior design exhibition, takes place alongside Dubai's inaugural Festival of Interior Design. The 2011 edition of Index will unfold at the Dubai World Trade Centre from October 22 to 25, but will only be open to non-trade visitors on the 22nd, so make sure to get there on the first day. While the show is predominantly targeted at the region's interior design professionals, it's a great place to get inspiration, ideas and, if you're lucky, the odd bargain or two. With some 800 exhibitors from 49 countries, a new format and exciting features on the show floor, it'll be easier to find what you're looking for and is a fantastic way to learn more about both local and international design trends. Entrance is Dh100. Also taking place over the same four-day period is the first-ever Festival of Interior Design (FOID), which is organised by the Dubai-based Association of Professional Interior Designers (APID). The aim of the festival is to raise awareness of interior design in this part of the world through a series of innovative events. With so much on the agenda, we compiled a list of the top 10 things to see and do this month. Watch for special workshops, events, themed window displays and discounts at your favourite furniture stores. FOID has partnered with the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), which has given Dubai's retailers and shopping malls a 10-day window during which to organise events and activities that complement the design festival. "With over 1,000 retail outlets in Dubai alone, the furniture, interior design and its supplier industry is considered to be one of the main pillars in Dubai's retail sector, and we want to further enhance its performance," says Laila Suhail, the chief executive officer of DEPE. The Pavilion Downtown Dubai will host a series of design-centric events as part of FOID. October 24 has been dubbed "Preservation" day and will start with a screening of Greenhouse, a short film documenting Greenhouse by Joost, an entirely waste-free restaurant concept by Dutch eco-designer Joost Bakker. The screening will be followed by a video teleconference with Bakker, who says: "Being able to reach out to a Middle East audience allows me to convey my vision of a more environment friendly world to live in. Despite not being able to be physically present at the event, the wonders of modern technology will give me the chance to share my experiences and views on the world's wasteful ways and how we can start making a difference by adopting and implementing more green initiatives." Keeping with the eco theme, the design firm Blanchard Dubai is presenting its Chic Green installation at Index, which will demonstrate that it is possible to create eco-friendly interiors that are stylish and elegant as well. Blanchard's feature consists of three disused shipping containers that have been transformed into striking living spaces using the most eco-friendly products on the market. Every product used in the installation has a label explaining what it is and highlighting its green credentials. While you're at Index, make sure to check out the Contemporary Majlis Competition, in which six local designers present a modern take on this most traditional of spaces. If you're looking to incorporate Middle Eastern design elements into your home, there's no better place to gather ideas. This year's contestants are Carrie Das of AHK International, Basak Yuksel of PF Emirates Interiors, Sinmar Al Said of Internal Line Interior Design, Ghandour El Habre of Khatib & Alami, Mimi Shakhashir of O'de Rose and Rania Mahmoud Hamed of Von Saldern Hamed Design. Meet the folks behind H&H's weekly Trendspotting column. The Scarlet Opus team will be at the Pavilion Downtown Dubai on October 22 talking about key trends and changes in today's interiors industry. "The Middle East region has a wonderful cultural heritage demonstrating a wonderful synthesis of vibrant hues and colours in traditional Arabic elements. Our presentation at The Pavilion Downtown Dubai will focus on talking new trends and sharing a view of the future in consumer motivation, design direction and colour," says Phil Pond, dream weaver, Scarlet Opus.