MUSCAT: The 12th edition of the Interior Design and Furnishing Expo (IDF Oman) concluded at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, reaffirming its status as Oman’s leading platform for design, décor and lifestyle innovation.
The three-day exhibition brought together global trends and local creativity, attracting design professionals, architects, developers and homeowners under one roof.
The event was inaugurated by HH Sayyid Faisal bin Turki al Said, who highlighted the exhibition’s importance as a catalyst for economic synergy and the advancement of Oman’s creative industries.
The 2026 edition featured more than 200 exhibitors from over 10 countries and drew an estimated 19,000 registered visitors. While smart home technologies and luxury furnishings dominated the show floor, a key highlight this year was the Creative Art Space, where fine art intersected with functional interior design.
Sponsored by Hempel Paints, the Creative Art Space showcased the works of more than 15 established and emerging artists, demonstrating how art can transform interiors into expressive, personalised environments.
Artist-cum-Curator Rema Sivakumar presented abstract and contemporary works inspired by nature and human emotion.
Rachel Eapen, acclaimed for her fine art and food photography who recently showcased at Art Miami Week, presented conceptual pieces that used light and shadow to redefine wall décor.
Artist Hetal drew attention with vibrant abstract works rich in colour and texture, while Mehran impressed visitors with intricate mirror art that combined traditional craftsmanship with a sense of luxury and spatial depth.
Other participating artists included M-Heart, artists Nishant, Mina, Nirvana Arts, Mona Art, Afra Al Nabi, Zaytoona, Handcrafted Hues Art and Moosa Art, adding diversity to the artistic showcase.
Beyond interiors, IDF Oman offered a broader view of the construction and lifestyle sectors through co-located exhibitions. They are Kitchen & Bathroom Show (KBS), focusing on modular concepts and water-efficient smart solutions.
Tile & Stone Show, featuring premium surfaces and materials from the GCC and Europe and Smart Living & Workspaces Expo, dedicated to home automation and ergonomic office design.
The Design Talks 2026 conference ran alongside the exhibition, bringing together more than 65 speakers who discussed topics ranging from artificial intelligence in spatial planning to the rebound of the GCC’s $30 billion construction market.
“This year’s success shows that Oman’s design sector is moving towards a dynamic blend of heritage and high-tech innovation,” a representative of Al Nimr International said. “By integrating world-class art with interior and architectural solutions, we are promoting a culture of creativity and lifestyle excellence.”
The organisers also acknowledged the contributions of the event team, including Namiya and the leadership of Al Nimr International, crediting them for delivering what was described as the most successful edition of IDF Oman to date.
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