Milan Furniture Fair Reopens Doors after 2-Year Pause

A kitchen design at the Haecker stand during the six-day Salone del Mobile, the world’s largest furniture fair in Milan. Photo: AFP
A kitchen design at the Haecker stand during the six-day Salone del Mobile, the world’s largest furniture fair in Milan. Photo: AFP
TT

Milan Furniture Fair Reopens Doors after 2-Year Pause

A kitchen design at the Haecker stand during the six-day Salone del Mobile, the world’s largest furniture fair in Milan. Photo: AFP
A kitchen design at the Haecker stand during the six-day Salone del Mobile, the world’s largest furniture fair in Milan. Photo: AFP

In light of the recovery of the furniture industry, the Milan Furniture Fair has reopened its doors to the audience on September 5 after a two-year pause due to the pandemic.

The curators of this year's edition pledged to organize an event full of creativity despite the small scale organization and the participation of only 425 exhibitors, out of which 66 are foreigners.

Dubbed "Supersalone," the 59th edition held until September 9, "is unique and emphasizes the recovery of the industry," Maria Porro, the fair's new manager, told AFP.

"Creativity, attention to environmental impact, innovation, cultural exchange, and digital experiences are the top interests of this edition," she explained.

This impressive gathering of prominent names from the furniture design industry is the largest specialist exhibition held in Italy since the virus outbreak in February 2020.

The local authorities have allowed the organization of such events since July 1.

Last year was a tough time for the furniture business during which revenues declined by 8.9 percent, to 21.2 billion euro. However, the industry is recovering, as Italian exports jumped 43.2 percent, to 5.4 billion euros within the first five months of 2021.



Saudi Northern Borders Witness Return of Diplotaxis

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA
TT

Saudi Northern Borders Witness Return of Diplotaxis

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA

The Saudi Northern Borders region, renowned for its diverse desert landscape, is witnessing the resurgence of the Diplotaxis, a vibrant yellow-flowered species that had become increasingly rare.
This resurgence is attributed to continuous conservation efforts, including the establishment of wildlife reserves and the implementation of stricter environmental protection laws, according to SPA.
Diplotaxis is an annual plant in the Northern Boreders region, typically reaching half a meter in height. Its hairy leaves, an adaptation to the harsh desert climate, help retain moisture. The plant thrives in gravelly soils and blooms in spring with fragrant yellow flowers.
Aman Environmental Association Board of Directors Chairman Nasser Al-Majlad told SPA that the early rainfall this year fostered the growth of numerous plant species, including Diplotaxis, which had been absent from the area for several years.
The Northern Borders region boasts a rich variety of plant life, including aromatic, seasonal, and annual species.

This diverse flora plays a crucial role in combating desertification, stabilizing soil, increasing biodiversity, and enhancing the region's environmental health. Moreover, it contributes to the region's tourism appeal.