DUBAI — The addition of 55,000 new housing units in Dubai in 2017-18 will boost the region’s $17.7 billion fit-out sector as thousands of families move into their freehold homes that require furniture, household items as well as interior décor products. A total of 25,000 residential units are expected to be delivered in Dubai this year and a further 30,000 in 2018, according to Jones Lang LaSalle, a global real estate advisory. Dubai will see a further 163,840 properties being built over the next five years from 387 projects. The year after could see 19,850 units and 17,754 further homes in 2020. So far in 2017, Dubai has seen the launch of 90 projects consisting of 36,556 units According to Ventures Middle East research, interior-based design and fit-out spend in the GCC has risen from $15.5 billion in 2016 to $17.7 billion this year. The sector will also benefit from a larger construction project pipeline to the tune of $2.4 trillion (AED8.8 trillion) at a time hundreds of exhibitors from all over the world showcase the latest products and innovation at the Dubai International Furniture Accessories Components, Semi-Furnished Products (DIFAC) exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Centre on March 12-14, 2018. The exhibition showcases innovative furniture technologies, products and brands. At display by the global players of the furniture industry, it gives the visitors a chance to educate themselves about the latest products in surfaces and fittings, elements and systems, semi-finished products and materials, furniture fabrics and upholstery materials. In order to capture the market, more than 300 exhibitors from 100 countries are all set to showcase their innovative solutions at the next edition of DIFAC Show in 2018, running in conjunction with Dubai WoodShow, which will showcase new designs,