May 23, 2024 — The Hive Furniture Show (HFS) 2024 has cemented its reputation as a premier international exhibition, drawing significant global attention. Known as the largest furniture and home accessories event in the Middle East and Africa, this year’s edition brought together a diverse mix of exhibitors and visitors, setting a new standard for trade shows in the region. Held at Expo Center Sharjah, the event showcased the very best in contemporary and traditional furniture design.
The 2024 edition of HFS saw remarkable success, with more than 7,751 attendees hailing from 57 different countries. The event demonstrated substantial growth in its international reach, featuring 207 companies that brought an array of innovative products and designs to the floor. Among these, 157 companies were first-time exhibitors, indicating a wave of fresh interest in what has become a must-attend event for the industry.
The diversity of the audience was a highlight of this year’s show. Approximately 42% of the attendees were owners or directors, while 36% were involved in purchasing roles, reflecting the event’s focus on serious business networking and trade opportunities. An additional 9% of attendees were from sales and marketing management, with 13% being interior or product designers, further underlining the show’s appeal to various segments of the furniture industry.
Attendees reported diverse motivations for visiting the show. The primary reasons cited included the desire to purchase or find new suppliers, which accounted for 65% of the visitors. Meanwhile, 20% were focused on acquiring the latest market information, and 15% attended to reconnect with existing suppliers.
HFS 2024 saw participation from eight different countries, underscoring its status as a truly international event. Key exhibiting countries included China, India, Malaysia, Turkey, Pakistan, Vietnam, the UAE, and Hong Kong. These nations showcased a variety of products ranging from luxury and eco-friendly furniture to multifunctional pieces designed for small spaces.
Notably, the top 10 countries represented by visitors from the Middle East included the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, while Ethiopia, Egypt, and South Africa led
the list from Africa. This diversity helped foster a dynamic environment where global trends met regional market needs.
The exhibition floor was alive with an impressive range of furniture and home accessories, catering to a wide spectrum of tastes and requirements. Luxury pieces designed for upscale markets shared space with budget-friendly options, ensuring accessibility for different segments. Also featured were sustainable furniture solutions that aligned with the growing global trend toward eco-friendliness, as well as outdoor living products suited for various climates. The show even offered modular and multifunctional furniture, ideal for maximizing small living spaces.
The high level of participation and the variety of products showcased underscored the Hive Furniture Show’s status as a key platform for industry growth. With 24% of exhibitors being repeat participants, the event clearly met and exceeded the expectations of many, providing ample opportunities for networking, deal-making, and market expansion.
Anticipation is already building for the 2025 edition of the Hive Furniture Show, scheduled to take place from May 15 to 17 at Expo Center Sharjah. The upcoming event promises to be even more expansive, having recently earned UFI approval—a prestigious certification that recognizes its high standards in exhibition quality. With plans to attract top-tier buyers and exhibitors from across the globe, HFS 2025 aims to further solidify its position as a leading international trade show.
A Growing Legacy
The Hive Furniture Show 2024 has not only elevated the standard for furniture exhibitions but also demonstrated the Middle East’s growing influence as a hub for the global furniture industry. The event’s success serves as a testament to its ability to blend craftsmanship with modern trends, attracting both established brands and emerging players. As the industry looks ahead to 2025, HFS continues to grow its legacy, driving the future of furniture and home design on a global scale.
For those in the furniture business, HFS remains an unmissable opportunity—one that promises innovation, insight, and a world of new possibilities.