Hive Furniture Show (HFS), the Middle East and Africa’s largest international furniture exhibition, returned to the Expo Centre Sharjah, UAE from 21st-23rd May – and Furniture News’ Nigel Gearing took the opportunity to experience the fast-growing interiors showcase for himself …
The unexpected can often prove to be a pleasant surprise, and it has to be said that HFS 2024 fell into this category, with over 10 countries sharing their latest products with buyers from in excess of 50 countries – all of whom were looking for design-led, inspirational ideas from across the show’s 15+ categories.
According to show organiser OMG Exhibitions and Conferences – which also delivers India’s IIFF, taking place in New Delhi from 12-15th December this year – many visitors attended all three days of the exhibition, in order to see as many of the 200+ exhibitors as possible.
Modern appeal
This was the fourth HFS to be held in Dubai, and the first that Furniture News has visited. The event offered less traditional-style furniture than expected – instead, the accent was on the modern, with cool greys on the fabrics, and stylish curves and accents on the cabinet and tables.
One such modern exhibitor was cinema recliner specialist Gulf Recliners, which also operates a showroom in Al Quoz in Dubai.
Lighting and accessories were also well represented, with some major players in the market taking stands (and not so large or overbearing as to appear daunting).
Intercontinental interest
This is a truly international show, with Dubai acting as a central, easy-to-access hub for the IMEA region (India, Middle East and Africa), so what is on sale and of influence here seems very likely to end up all over this vast region.
HFS is also a relaxed, informal event, that gives buyers time to assess their options – a rare commodity nowadays. It helps that the team from organiser OMG runs the exhibition on a personal basis, keeping abreast of participants and visitors alike – they extend a warm welcome, and go to great lengths to nurture everybody involved.
“Hive Furniture Show has once again catered to the high demand for quality furniture, doubling its global exhibitor count to over 200 this year,” states OMG. “The event made a significant impact on its targeted audience of big-box retailers and wholesalers.”
This year’s event reported an attendance of nearly 8000, led by visitors from the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia (Middle East) and Ethiopia, Egypt and South Africa (Africa). Local visitor attendance was catalysed by a series of roadshows across the region.
If you wish to see what is on offer from the countries represented, then it could well be worth your while to visit HFS 2025, taking place next May. Until then, visit HFS’ website to discover more about this pivotal event.
