#CulturePH - Filipino Craftsmanship Shines on the Global Stage at INDEX Dubai 2025
The spirit of Filipino creativity is heading to the heart of the Middle East as ten standout brands from the Philippines gear up for INDEX Dubai 2025, one of the region’s most prestigious design trade shows. From May 27 to 29, the Dubai World Trade Centre will transform into a vibrant hub of innovation and artistry, and the Philippines is ready to make a statement.
Under the banner of DESIGNPhilippines, this year’s theme, “Handcrafted for the World,” celebrates the country’s rich heritage of craftsmanship and design. The delegation, led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), is putting the spotlight on sustainable, story-driven creations that blend tradition with modern aesthetics.
At the helm of the pavilion’s creative direction is none other than Ito Kish, a celebrated designer known for his bold, culturally inspired furniture pieces. With over 25 years of experience, Kish brings a refined eye for detail and a deep love for Filipino heritage to the curation of this year’s showcase.
A Celebration of Craft and Culture
Expect to see a stunning array of furniture and home décor crafted from natural materials like rattan, wood, clay, leather, and stone. Among the highlights is Arksmith’s Ysla Collection, a tribute to sustainability and community storytelling. Meanwhile, Red Slab Pottery brings its earthy terracotta creations—crafted from secondary clay deposits using time-honored techniques—that already enjoy a strong following in the region.
Other featured brands include:
Aerostone and Fifty One All Weather Furniture with their stylish outdoor pieces,
Prizmic & Brill, South Sea Veneer, and Studio Moodism offering elegant home furnishings,
Kitsilver and Mindanao Pearl Center showcasing accessories and clutch bags that blend fashion with Filipino flair.
Even Uratex, the country’s leading foam manufacturer, is joining the lineup—broadening the scope of the exhibit to include raw materials and essentials like mattresses and pillows.
Why INDEX Dubai Matters
INDEX Dubai isn’t just a trade show—it’s a gateway to the booming MENA (Middle East and North Africa) market. With the region’s interior design and furniture sector projected to grow at nearly 10% annually through 2029, opportunities abound for Filipino brands to make their mark. Major infrastructure projects, tourism growth, and national initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 are fueling demand for innovative, high-quality design.
CITEM’s Executive Director, Leah Pulido Ocampo, sees this as a pivotal moment: “We are committed to bringing Filipino design and manufacturing capabilities to the forefront of the global stage.”
The Philippine pavilion will be located at the Trade Centre Arena, alongside global design leaders. INDEX Dubai 2025 will also be co-located with WORKSPACE and The Hotel Show, drawing over 30,000 trade visitors from around the world.
What’s Next?
For those who can’t make it to Dubai, there’s more to look forward to. CITEM is also behind Manila FAME, the country’s premier trade show for home, fashion, and lifestyle products. Mark your calendars for its next edition on October 16–18, 2025, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila.
To explore more about the brands and the stories behind them, visit fameplus.com/manila_fame.
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