“Although there is still a niche market that looks for classical and neo-classical furniture, there is a clear shift to the contemporary and modern furniture styles, particularly amongst the new generation”, says Raed Dibs, General Manager of Interiors Furniture. The company was established in Dubai in 1968, three years before the 1971 union of the UAE: “We are very proud that we have supplied our furniture across different generations within the UAE and abroad”
How is your local market evolving?
The pandemic has made 2020 quite a challenging year not only in the UAE but across the world. With the support of our team and suppliers, we have been able to manage the situation in a very collaborative and efficient manner which made us achieve positive results that exceeded our budget. The demand for furniture has seen an increase in purchases amongst some clients and a drop amongst others due to the uncertainty of the global economic situation. Nevertheless, the UAE government has been extensively supportive in helping companies in its jurisdiction by creating a safe operational environment that encompasses all the necessary precautions during the pandemic.
Who are your clients?
Our company was established in 1968, three years before the 1971 union of the UAE. Our clientele is a combination of local and international clients covering residential and contract furniture requirements. We are very proud that we have supplied our furniture across different generations within the UAE and abroad.
What do your customers ask for more?
Although there is still a niche market that looks for classical and neo-classical furniture, there is a clear shift to the contemporary and modern furniture styles, particularly amongst the new generation.
What relationship do you have with international brands and partners? How do you choose them?
We have an excellent relationship with many international brands that is based on honesty, transparency and trust. Our international suppliers are our strategic partners and not just mere suppliers. We chose them based on a big combination of factors: name, reputation, designs, quality of products, customer service and prices. We look for products that are suitable for our market and our customers. We attend major furniture exhibitions and we order directly during these exhibitions. We’ve adapted during the pandemic and are now ordering new models through catalogues and virtual meetings with our suppliers. After all, business agility is key to successfully overcome challenges brought to us by the pandemic.
When will you present or have you already presented the new collections? Are you planning events, in person or digital?
Our suppliers are spread all over the world. Each part of the world has its own exhibitions’ timings during the year in which suppliers introduce their latest designs and fabric collections. In addition, we are very active on social media and the digital sphere where our new collections are introduced regularly.
In the project area, do you have any ongoing big projects?
We are working on several villa projects and on some hotel projects. In June, we completed the furnishing of a whole hotel.