The first INDEX International Design Exhibition exhibition took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre venue in 1990, occupying all space in the Centre, and with 200 exhibitors from around 12 countries. The retail design sister event "ArabShop", later named "InRetail", was introduced in 1993. The 20–23 May 2013 exhibition was opened by Sheikh Hamdan bi Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance. Over 20,900 visitors from 105 countries attended. There were 616 exhibitors, and 19 international pavilions from 41 countries.
The exhibition occupied halls 1 - 8 of the Dubai World Trade Centre, split into 10 product sectors: furnishings, furniture, ICONIC, lighting, INRETAIL, kitchen and bathroom, objets, outdoor living, surfaces & finished and textiles.