The event – which enables UAE Nationals in all fields of expertise to meet directly with recruiters and hiring managers – has become one of the biggest and most sought-after forums for aspiring work-seekers to meet with prospective employers and obtain information regarding the various training and career options available. As such, it also provides an excellent platform for raising the corporate profile of companies, such as DUBAL, and attracting the interest of high calibre candidates for recruitment.

“The response this year was overwhelming, confirming DUBAL’s status as an employer of choice in the region,” said Mohammed Ali Al Owais (Manager: Organisation Development). “As a leading company in recruiting Nationals and in keeping with prior years, students were able to enter their information directly into our database, making it readily available for use in identifying potential talent to meet our organisational requirements in terms of age group, background, qualifications and skills.”

Al Owais advises that DUBAL has a team constituted of Recruitment officers who have already started to segregate the job applications received during the Careers UAE Fair each according to the different segments and qualifications they fall under to fulfil the company needs.

DUBAL’s participation in the annual Careers UAE forms part of the initiatives undertaken by the company’s National Programmes & Development department so as to increase the proportion of UAE Nationals in the organisation. Other activities include several training and career development programmes for UAE Nationals, including pre-employment courses in several disciplines, a work placement programme for tertiary students, a comprehensive graduate training programme, a scholarship scheme and a development pool that aids in career growth and succession planning.

At the end of 2009, UAE Nationals accounted for 22 per cent of DUBAL’s total workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. Currently, the proportion of UAE National representation at senior management level is above 70 per cent. These statistics compare very favourably against Dubai’s average industry Emiratisation level of 4 per cent.

About Dubai Aluminium Company (“DUBAL”)
Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (“DUBAL”) owns and operates the world’s largest modern aluminium smelter with a captive power station. Built on a 480-hectare site in Jebel Ali, the complex’s major facilities comprise a one million metric tonne per annum primary aluminium smelter, a 2,350 megawatt power station (at 30°C), a large carbon plant, casthouse operations, a 30 million gallon per-day water desalination plant, laboratories, port and storage facilities.

The Jebel Ali site has the capacity to produce more than one million metric tones of high quality finished aluminum products a year, in three main forms: foundry alloy for automotive applications; extrusion billet for construction, industrial and transportation purposes; and high purity aluminium for the electronics and aerospace industries. More than 300 customers are served in at least 45 countries predominantly in the Far East, Europe, the ASEAN region, the Middle East and Mediterranean region, and North America.

The company holds ISO 9001, ISO/TS 16949, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 20000, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certification at its Jebel Ali site; and has twice won the Dubai Quality Award in the Production and Manufacturing sector (1996 and 2000). More than 4,100 skilled operators, tradesmen, administrative staff, technicians, professionals and managers are employed by DUBAL. Some 23 per cent of the total workforce is drawn from the local population, with UAE nationals holding over 70 per cent of Senior Management positions.

DUBAL also holds a 50 per cent share in Emirates Aluminium (“EMAL”), a green-field smelter development at Al Taweelah, Abu Dhabi. Commissioning of the first phase of EMA (comprising a 756,000 metric tonne per annum smelter plus associated power generation, reduction material and casting infrastructure) began in December 2009.

Driven by a quest for continuous improvement and ongoing innovation, DUBAL has invested substantial sums of money over the past 25 years in developing advanced reduction cell technologies that not only improve productivity but also reduce the operations’ impact on the environment through improved energy efficiency and minimized emission levels. This has culminated most recently in DUBAL’s proprietary DX Technology – a UAE flagship technology that operates at 370kA plus and therefore ranks among the best in its class. Developed in 2006, DX Technology has been implemented in a dedicated 40-cell potline at DUBAL’s Jebel Ali smelter complex; and is being installed at EMAL, which will ultimately produce 1.5 million metric tones per annum using DUBAL’s DX Technology.

Entirely state-owned, DUBAL is one of the largest non-oil contributors to the economy of Dubai and is widely regarded as the industrial flagship of the UAE. Having begun to tap metal at the Jebel Ali site in November 1979, DUBAL celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2009.

“Silicone materials help architects and engineers meet environmental and societal needs in contemporary buildings,” said Gerald Bräuer, Application Engineer and Technical Service, from Dow Corning, one of the world’s largest silicon-based materials developers and manufacturers, at the Dubai Coating Show.

“Our ability to address the Green Building trend is aligned to our ability to increase the life span of construction materials and thereby lowering life cycle costs, as well as our ability to offer more environmentally friendly offerings (solventless, and higher solids content) to achieve similar benefits,” said Mr. Bräuer during his presentation on building materials protection.

Most recently, Dow Corning’s silicone construction materials were used in the construction of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dow Corning worked closely with the building’s structural engineers to ensure the building can withstand the region’s high winds and extreme heat, some of the biggest challenges construction projects in the region.

Silicone’s unique properties make them ideal for construction industry due to their ability to function in limitless ways and with a variety of different building materials.

Resistance to heat, wind, moisture & chemicals – Every day, buildings are subjected to a wide range of external environmental forces, such as high wind velocities, temperature variations, or acid rain that can create wear and tear to the structure and have a significant toll on the aesthetics and durability of the building over time. Silicone sealants are able to withstand these negative effects.

Ability to bond to a variety of materials – Silicones produce airtight seals that not only preserve the thermal insulation of a building, but also are capable of being used with a wide range of other building substrates such as concrete, glass, granite, marble, aluminum, steel, and plastics. This prevents rust, corrosion, or negative effects that result when mixing different building substrates that aren’t compatible and can significantly hinder the long-term weatherability of a structure. It also results in long term savings, reducing building costs associated with maintaining and repairing structures.

Greater design flexibility – Silicones are flexible and versatile, which is critical when it comes to meeting impact-resistant glazing standards required in commercial window applications where silicone is used to fasten large expanses of glass to the window system. Structurally bonded windows constructed from silicone sealants are able to transfer high wind and pressure loads from the frame to the glass while accommodating movement between the frame and glass. This enhances the structural strength of the window and also allows for more sleek and modern designs that have expanded the vision and design capabilities of architects.

The applications of silicon-based materials are diverse. They are used in nearly every industry and are oftentimes used to make products or processes more efficient of sustainable. Silicon technology enables sealants and adhesives that enable aesthetically beautiful and environmentally sustainable construction of buildings, roads and infrastructure. In textile manufacturing, silicon-based materials are used to improve process efficiency and product quality. In the oil and gas industry, these materials help on- and off-shore drillers cut costs, increase reliability, and boost output.

Dow Corning recently established its Middle East headquarters and commercial entity in Manama, Bahrain. The company’s Bahrain operations will help Dow Corning provide the region’s vibrant construction, textiles, petrochemical and oil and gas industries with silicon-based materials and solutions.

For further information, please contact:
Dow Corning Representation Office
Meral Building
Office Numbers 61, 62 & 63
Building No.2572, Road No.2833, Block No.428
Seef District
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
T: +97317562686
F: +97317582052
www.dowcorning.com/construction

Tamara Saeb (Dubai)
APCO Worldwide
Tel: 971.4.4019768
Email: tsaeb@apcoworldwide.com

About Dow Corning
Dow Corning (www.dowcorning.com) provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services via the company’s Dow Corning® and XIAMETER® brands. Dow Corning is a joint venture equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning’s annual sales are outside the United States.

GGC is the premier worldwide sustainability certification for the tourism industry and more than 800 businesses in 50 countries have so far met the 248 exacting standards.

Farnek Avireal has signed an exclusive five-year licensing agreement to utilise its brand, covering tourism properties within 20 different countries throughout the Middle East.

Abdul-Quddus Sheikh, Director of Engineering at The Palace The Old Town in Dubai, which is managed by The Address Hotels & Resorts, is spearheading the certification process. Having worked on sustainable projects throughout his hotel career, he is clearly a committed environmentalist.

He commented, “There are three main advantages of attaining certification. First of all, a competitive edge, especially when we are trying to attract environmentally conscious travelers, which is a major travel trend today. Secondly, after the initial investment, sustainability starts to pay back straightaway, whether it’s solar panels on the roof, or energy-saving light bulbs. Finally and most importantly, it is our duty to save energy and natural resources for the next generation.”

Consumer interest in sustainability issues is gathering momentum and nearly half of all travellers polled by Travel Weekly said they would be prepared to pay up to 10% more to stay in a green-certified hotel. Furthermore, two-thirds of travellers have serious doubts about green initiatives posted on hotel websites.

“Now through independent research, environmentalists are making their voices heard and in today’s economic climate, no business can afford to dismiss such a vocal and growing market segment. Increasingly hotels will need to prove their sustainable credentials, Green Globe certification will do just that,” said Markus Oberlin, General Manager, Farnek Avireal.

Through Farnek Avireal’s web-based Hotel Optimiser technology, GGC programme participants can calculate their CO2 emissions including the financial cost, which enables them to track their performance of energy and water consumption as well as non-recyclable waste production.

Daniel Anthony, Chief Engineer at the Miramar, Al Aqah Beach Resort, in Fujairah, which is a part of the Iberotel Group, concurred with Oberlin. “For me the bottom line is all about saving money and saving the environment. What better incentive could we have? I want the Miramar to a shining example of sustainability and totally self-funding.”

The Green Globe brand and programme, has primarily been used in the travel and tourism industry but is now being expanded to include a growing number of environmentally responsible businesses in a variety of market sectors. The GGC stamp of approval is an ideal symbol for the world’s increasing awareness of environmental responsibility and response to global climate change.

For more information about applying for Green Globe International certification log on to www.farnek.com

About Farnek Avireal
Farnek Avireal is a joint venture company between Khalifa Juma Al Nabooda Group of the UAE and Avireal AG of Switzerland. The company has grown into one of the region’s foremost property and facilities management outsource companies. With a skilled workforce of more than 1,200 people, Farnek Avireal maintain over 1,000 properties in Dubai alone on behalf of many international and regional companies.

About Green Globe International, Inc.
Green Globe International, Inc. is the worldwide owner of the Green Globe brand, which includes the leading sustainability certification and benchmarking programs, carbon footprint calculation and offset programs, and a broad range of consulting services. Green Globe International has been admitted as an affiliate member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the business leaders’ forum for the travel and tourism industry, is a 5% common stock owner of Green Globe International. For more information on the company and its programs, please visit www.greenglobeint.com or call +1 310-984-6807.

Media contact
Steven Jones
Director
Shamal Marketing Communications
Dubai Media City, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +9714 365 2711
Mobile: +9715 0455 9769
E-mail: steven@smc-pr.com
Website: www.smc-pr.com

To be held from 24-26 May at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the event will feature Green Building Middle East, showcasing premium sustainable construction products; Future-Build Middle East, the first dedicated single-sourcing platform for latest technology and innovative construction projects, and Civil Engineering Middle East, showcasing the latest products and solutions for major infrastructure and transport projects that are rapidly transforming the landscape of the Middle East.

The Arabian World Construction Summit (AWCS), as well as the Green Building Middle East Summit, will witness international spokespersons analysing integral issues that face the region’s construction industry.

Organised by Mecom Forums/Clarion Events, in partnership with MEED, Arabian Construction Week will serve as a perfect platform for companies to display a full range of green building, innovative building and engineering products and services to thousands of buyers from across the Middle East and neighbouring regions.

In addition to its conference programme, the Arabian Construction Week will act as a pre-tender sourcing forum for the region’s existing and potential construction and infrastructure projects. It will also aim to work towards a better built environment for the cities of today and the future.

Christopher Hudson, Managing Director of Mecom Forums and Clarion Events partner, said: “Our strategic alliance with MEED will ensure our delivery of a truly global event that is representative of the Middle East construction industry. Through this partnership, we aim to offer the ultimate sourcing, intellectual and networking platform for the region.

“We believe the Arabian Construction Week will provide a unique glimpse into the latest in construction products, technologies and services.”

Edmund O’Sullivan, Chairman of MEED Events, said: “Running for the third consecutive year, the Arabian World Construction Summit has emerged as a crucial platform for the regional construction industry by bringing together leading industry figures. In line with our core mission, we have covered numerous subject areas that impact the industry while delivering pragmatic solutions. We are delighted to join hands with the inaugural Arabian Construction Week that will undoubtedly add to the success of the summit.

“The construction industry continues to experience shifting trends. It has become increasingly vital for industry leaders to gain access to timely information and exclusive networking opportunities. In all, the GCC construction industry is worth over US$3 trillion with more than 1,100 projects in the UAE, over 1,000 projects in Saudi Arabia, more than 300 projects in Kuwait, over 250 projects in Qatar, nearly 200 projects in Oman and almost 150 projects in Bahrain. This scenario offers plenty of room for growth and AWCS aims to serve as the stepping stone for companies to exploit this potential.”

Themed ‘Growing in a Challenging Market’, the Arabian World Construction Summit (AWCS) will see over 50 experts deliberating on how the industry is gearing up to seize the opportunities presented by the 2010 GCC growth forecasts. The panelists will also examine best ways to deal with the legacy of the global property crash that has led to project delays and cancellations.

The Green Building Middle East Summit will comprise three keynote sessions and 15 parallel streams across three days. It will address themes such as the economics of green construction, making low carbon construction possible, managing buildings effectively, creating sustainable cities, sourcing building materials ethically and responsibly and adapting for the impact of climate change.

For more information, please visit www.arabianconstructionweek.com

About Mecom Forums
Mecom Forums are a Clarion Events Partner company. Mecom Clarion is one of the world’s fastest growing event companies with ten offices in seven countries including UK, USA, South Africa, Netherlands, Brazil, Singapore and now the United Arab Emirates.www.mecomforums.com

About MEED
For over 50 years, business leaders have been relying on MEED to give them a wealth of factual, unbiased business information that they need to be successful. The MEED brand represents an unrivalled portfolio of high calibre business information products, online services and premier networking events. For more information visit: www.meed.com, www.meed.com/events, www.meedprojects.com

About the Arabian World Construction Summit (AWCS)
AWCS is the leading event for those who are actively looking to break into the Middle Eastern projects market – the 2010 event will feature more high-profile speakers, more relevant content and more specially tailored networking opportunities.

For 2010 – the 3rd edition of AWCS – the central theme of the Summit will be ‘Growing in a Challenging Market’. The programme has been specifically designed to look at strategies to win new work and beat the current projects slowdown and will include in-depth coverage of the specific opportunities in the region’s infrastructure, industrial & real estate projects sector. For more information visit: www.arabianconstructionsummit.com

For further information, please contact:
Agency:
Muhannad Al Badri
Jiwin
Tel: +971 4 361 3572
Fax: + 971 4 3688001
E-mail: muhannad.albadri@jiwin.ae

Jan Dabrowa
Jiwin
Tel: +971 4 374 8566
Mobile: +971 5 922 3684
Fax: + 971 4 3688001
E-mail: jan.dabrowa@jiwin.ae

Chris Hudson
MECOM Forums a CLARION Events Partner
Tel:+ 9714 3356533
Fax: + 9714 3351109
E-mail: chris@mecom.ae

Cassie Start
Campaign Manager – Summits
MEED
Tel:+ 971 4 364 2324
Fax: +971 4 368 8025
E-mail: cassie.start@meed-dubai.com

Despite the widespread effects of the global recession, the MENA region continues to pose significant demand for American hardwoods, with exports reaching an estimated USD 69.3 million last year. In addition, U.S. hardwoods have been specified for a significant number of high profile projects in the region, the most well known of which include Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Emirates Towers, Grand Hyatt Dubai, Bar Al Jissa Muscat, Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta, and the newly opened Burj Khalifa. Leading architects and designers, as well as high end turnkey contractors and manufacturers of flooring and furniture in the Gulf have also developed a strong appreciation of the potential offered by American hardwood, which signify further growth prospects for the product in the region.

“The MENA region’s continuous need for high quality wood products for its interiors and furniture industries creates widespread opportunity for us assist in the growth of U.S. hardwood exports to the region,” said Roderick Wiles, Emerging Markets Director, AHEC. “Amidst increasing calls for sustainability, we remain committed to addressing the long term demands of the region and will continue to strive to play a key role in providing stakeholders with valuable environmental assurances and technical information that can help them use American hardwoods to their greatest potential.”

American hardwood has seen a significant increase in demand, not only in Dubai, which has developed into a wood processing hub, but also in Abu Dhabi, territories across the entire Gulf as well as Iran, East Africa and Pakistan. Notably, hardwoods from the U.S. have also seen widespread popularity in Egypt, where sawn timber and veneer are used in all kinds of construction projects as well as for the manufacturing of flooring and furniture – much of which is exported back to the U.S. and to Europe. In addition to the burgeoning need for U.S. hardwoods for projects being built in the region, many projects outside the Middle East are being supplied with American hardwoods by interior contractors from the Gulf, which further reiterates the importance of the region.

“We are looking forward to collaborating with potential industry partners who can boost our efforts to expand the market for hardwoods from the United States. We are confident that our increased activities within the region will build awareness on the advantages of using American hardwoods, not only in terms of quality but also amidst the widespread demand for proof of sustainability,” concluded Wiles.

About AHEC
The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) is the leading international trade association for the U.S. hardwood industry, representing the committed exporters among U.S. hardwood companies and all the major U.S. hardwood production trade associations. AHEC runs a worldwide programme to promote American hardwoods in over 50 export markets, concentrating on providing architects, specifiers, designers and end-users with technical information on the range of species, products and sources of supply. In addition, AHEC also produces a full range of technical publications.

For more information, please contact:
CommuniGate Middle East
PO Box 66861, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 3988134
Fax: +971 4 3988137
Email: info@communigateme.com
Website: www.communigateme.com

I-Rise office tower, being developed by Realty Capital, is 36 floors high and contains corporate and executive offices as well as retail space on the ground floor with an approximate total built-up-area of 1.9 million square feet. The tower will have 19 high speed elevators and 2,300 parking spaces.

All electromechanical works of i-Rise are now being completed through the lower levels up to 27th floor. The contractor has also started placing aluminum cladding on the external facade up to the 25th floor. Fit-out works are also well in progress.

Marwan Mansour, the CEO of Realty Capital, said: “Being one of the region’s most iconic projects, there has been a growing sense of excitement and pride as we draw nearer to the completion of i-Rise. Realty Capital has worked really hard with the contractors to ensure that the project stay on track despite the challenges that have been experienced in the region and across the world. When we started this project, we vowed to protect the interest of all investors and stakeholders one of Dubai’s most prestigious business towers”.

For further information, please contact:
Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications
P.O.Box 23345, Dubai, U.A.E
Tel: +971 4 3988901
Fax: +971 4 3988941
Email: media@orientplanet.com
Website: www.orientplanet.com

Combining classic and modern hues with an edgy twist, Jotun’s ‘Colour Trends 2010’ provide inspiration to individual home decorators and professional designers to identify the right shades and combinations for interior spaces. The 2010 collection has three ranges with six shades each, including ‘Jazz Up’, a dynamic palette designed to reflect an individual’s true colours and creativity. ‘Pure Nuture’ offers a colour scheme that is ideal for nature lovers, as it gives them an opportunity to invite the splendour of the great outdoors into their homes. Lastly, ‘Mystic Elegance’ features a glamorous collection based on the values of traditional Middle Eastern interiors, which is favoured by sophisticated individuals who find immense pleasure in surrounding themselves with the finer things in life.

“The launch of ‘Colour Trends 2010’ is our answer to the rising demand for one-of-a-kind colours in decorative paints, as many cutting-edge projects in the region approach delivery stage this year,” said Eirik Kristensen, Regional Marketing Manager – MENA, Jotun Paints. “With our latest collection of hues, individual homeowners who wish to redecorate their new homes, as well as interior designers who are working the finishing touches of their projects, are presented with a wide range vivid colours that match both their aesthetic and quality requirements.”

Jotun’s ‘Colour Trends 2010’ range aims to give customers an early insight into this year’s fashionable colour schemes and wall designs, enabling home decorators and renovators to select the right shades and combinations. Each year, the company adds several new shades to the range, which are based on extensive research and customer feedback. Customers can know more about the ‘Colour Trends 2010’ by visiting Jotun Multicolor and Inspiration Centres, where they can also get a copy of ‘Trend’ brochure and ‘Trend’ cards to help them choose the suitable colours they require.

“The colour palettes we have launched this year are one of the most eclectic ranges we have unveiled, combining the subtle hues of nature with rich, luxurious colours and lively, dynamic shades. The launch of this collection translates the extent of our familiarity with the market, and the flexibility of our products to complement their personalities and preferences – be it creating a confident, energetic and creative world, escaping to a world of tranquillity, and rediscovering the elegance of the bygone era,” concluded Kristensen.

About Jotun
Founded in 1926 in Norway, Jotun – one of the world’s leading paint manufacturers established its presence in the Middle East in 1974, with Jotun UAE Ltd. Ever since, Jotun has expanded dramatically throughout the region and is the first paint manufacturer to be awarded the ISO 9001 certification. Jotun has consistently invested in state of the art factories including the recently opened plant in the Al Quoz area of Dubai, UAE – the biggest worldwide for Jotun and the Middle East.

Jotun has been at the forefront in terms of developing products specifically suited to local conditions. Three decades of experience in the Middle East region, has helped the company produce a variety of conventional and specialized coatings – each incorporating the latest technological developments while offering performance with economy – catering to the various product segments and demands of the different markets. Today, Jotun’s diverse product range includes Decorative, Protective, Marine, Floor/Concrete Protection, Powder Coatings and Intumescent coatings, bearing a solid testament to the company’s reputation of being truly a single source solution for clients, consultants and contractors alike.

For more information, please contact:
CommuniGate Middle East
PO Box 66861, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 3988134
Fax: +971 4 3988137
Email: info@communigateme.com
Website: www.communigateme.com

Conspel Emirates LLC, a subcontractor for the mega project, has awarded the contract to RWI, which is currently in the process of delivering rubber insulation tubes and duct insulation sheets. With a flame spread rating of less than 25 and a smoke spread rating of less than 50, RWI’s rubber insulation tubes have a high capacity to retard heat loss for hot water plumbing, liquid heating and dual temperature piping. Furnished with a smooth black-coloured skin on one side that forms the outer exposed insulation surface, 13-milimetre thick duct insulation sheets provide elastomeric thermal insulation to retard heat gain and control condensation drip from chilled water and refrigeration systems, while reducing heat flow on hot systems.

“A world-class project such as the Al Raha Beach development utilises only the best products, and the massive order we have received for this prestigious project underlines the quality of our offerings and the excellent value we provide to our large-scale customers,” said Abu Baker Shaikhani, Chairman, Rubber World Industries. “We are currently in the process of completing the delivery of our products for Al Raha Beach development, which along with other landmark developments has identified the excellent advantages of our rubber insulation offerings.”

The Al Raha Beach development is a beachfront project being built on reclaimed land at Al Raha Beach complex, occupying an area of 6.8 million sq. meters with a total built-up area of 12 million sq. meters. Located along the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway, opposite to Al Raha Gardens, the project will provide a unique lifestyle through its world class residential, commercial, cultural, entertainment and public facilities, which will house up to 120,000 residents. The development consists of eight distinct areas, each with their own personalities and appeal.

About Rubber World Industries
Rubber World Industries (RWI) has pioneered the production of ‘Gulf-O-flex’ in the entire Gulf and South-East Asia region, providing a versatile range of rubber insulation products for the oil and gas, construction, shipping and automobile industries. Established in 1993 and part of the international business conglomerate – the Shaikhani group of Companies, the manufacturer dominates the regional market today by supplying 86 per cent for of the region’s requirements for rubber insulation pipes and sheets, and other rubber-derived products. International exports of RWI’s high quality products to the Middle East, Canada, Southeast Asia, South Africa, East Africa, Far East Asia and Europe, has also been a major contributor to the company’s achievement of a remarkable AED 44.67 million revenues in 2009 and overall global success.

For more information, please contact:
CommuniGate Middle East
PO Box 66861, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 3988134
Fax: +971 4 3988137
Email: info@communigateme.com
Website: www.communigateme.com

‘Dubai WoodShow Forum’ aims at delivering an agenda that merges new wood design and engineering trends, wood pricing and tariff concerns, and reviews of green building compliance and legal timber trading. It will also focus on business development and expansion strategies in the Middle East, including logistics and supply chain opportunities for new market entrants. The event is being supported by the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) as the conference’s Official Knowledge Partner and the American University in Dubai as the Official Academic Partner.

“This event will be the launching pad where industry players can examine the wealth of business opportunities stemming from the ever-expanding Middle East wood sector, and allow major players to explore ways to differentiate their products and services and maintain leadership in the market,” said Dawood Al Shezawi, Managing Director, Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions. “On the other hand, wood market investors and business developers will be able connect directly with government free zones representatives as well as logistics and supply chain services providers who will be at the event, while learning more about the key requirements needed to successfully enter the Middle East wood market.”

Among the confirmed speakers to address wood industry executives at the Forum are Mike Snow, Executive Director of the American Hardwood Export Council (USA), Anthony Elwine, Chief Commercial Officer and Steffen Steenbaek, Chief Operations Officera of Maersk Middle East (recently rebranded Damco from Denmark), and Roderick Wiles, Principal at Broad Leaf Consulting (UK). Other presenters include Rupert Oliver, Director, Forest Industry Intelligence (UK), Mohammed Al Banna, Vice President Commercial Sales, Economic Zones World (UAE), Peter Kristensen, Head of Environment Department, DLH (Denmark) and Michael Pfeiffer, President of M-Wood Solutions (Canada), among many others.

In addition to the ‘Dubai WoodShow Forum’, ‘Dubai WoodShow 2010’ will also feature the ‘Dubai WoodShow Roundtable’, a dedicated platform for exclusive one-on-one business meetings among exhibitors, potential clients and future partners. Through a designated web-portal, participants can schedule up to ten 30-minute meetings per day for the last two days of the tradeshow. This initiative is aligned with the event’s vision to help exhibitors to further increase their client portfolio.

The ‘Dubai WoodShow 2010’ will also introduce the ‘Dubai WoodShow Workshops’, which will be two-hour interactive presentations designed to provide attendees (small groups of 20-30 registered delegates) with a comprehensive overview of the topics, an informative approach of the business at hand, and a tactical review of their operational requirements. Workshop delegates are expected to take away reliable methodologies applicable to their day-to-day management and overall professional duties from the workshops’ curriculum, which includes both European and American timber grading sessions presented by Bob Sabistina, Grading Consultant, American Hardwood Export Council.

“The new additions to the ‘Dubai WoodShow 2010’ underline our strong commitment to the regional wood sector’s long term success. The confirmed presence of several industry leaders exemplifies the importance of ‘Dubai WoodShow 2010’ as a definitive event for the regional market. We are confident that we will see a significant increase in attendance this year, which motivates us to continually create important innovations for the show. We believe in the Dubai WoodShow’s role as an important driving force behind the profitable future partnership among participating companies,” concluded Al Shezawi.

About Dubai WoodShow 2010’
‘Dubai International Wood and Wood Products Show 2010’ is focused on generating business for its participants by initiating transactional sales and boosting the confidence of the manufacturers and traders. It will feature the world’s leading technology brands covering the entire wood industry production chain, which will showcase solutions for lumber imports, fine-polishers of solid wood, systems for the start-to-end processing of all types of wood and environmentally-friendly systems. The event’s 2009 edition, which has been dubbed as the largest dedicated wood and wood machinery exhibition in the Middle East, has recorded tremendous success for more than 200 companies from 30 countries who participated at the show.

For more information, please contact:
CommuniGate Middle East
PO Box 66861, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 3988134
Fax: +971 4 3988137
Email: info@communigateme.com
Website: www.communigateme.com

“It has undoubtedly been a tough time for the hospitality industry on a worldwide basis in 2009 and the Middle East has not escaped totally unscathed,” said Maggie Moore, Exhibition Director of The Hotel Show. “But set against global trends, the region is still comfortably placed when compared with the rest of the world.”

The Hotel Show is the Middle East’s leading dedicated trade event for the hospitality and leisure sector and next takes place at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre from 18-20 May 2010.

“While the number of hotel projects under construction in the Middle East has slowed down, as regional economies react to the challenges of the global economic conditions, the pace still remains considerably better than most,” Moore added.

“We asked research company Proleads to examine active and under-construction hotel projects scheduled for completion between now and 2013 across the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries. The results indicate that the continuing development of the regional hospitality industry is both robust and sustainable.”

The Proleads figures show hotel projects under construction across the GCC valued at more than US$7 billion. Most are in the United Arab Emirates (US$4.4 billion) followed by Saudi Arabia (US$1.2 billion), Qatar (US$620 million), Bahrain (US$490 million), Oman (US$300 million) and Kuwait (US$90 million).

Supporting the Proleads outlook, UK hotel real estate research company Lodging Econometrics has revealed that according to their research, the Middle East can expect 98 new hotels with 29,226 rooms to open in 2010 and 115 hotels with 33,765 rooms in 2011.

“How many other parts of the world can boast such figures?” asked Moore.

“Indeed although RevPar (Revenue per available room) rates have declined year-on-year in the Middle East to approximately $125, it compares favourably with RevPar figures of $81 and $55 in Europe and the Americas respectively, over the same period,” she added.

“With concerns about hotel oversupply, the re-examining of plans during the slowdown has been a healthy exercise,” she added. “An important factor going forward will be what happens in the global and regional economies to encourage people to travel and impact hotel occupancies.”

Now in its eleventh year, The Hotel Show is the Middle East’s most important event in the hospitality calendar hosting the latest products, services and technologies for the hotel, catering and leisure industries. In 2009, the show featured 758 exhibitors from 41 countries and attracted 8,474 key industry decision makers from 77 countries.

The Hotel Show is divided into four zones: Interiors & Design; Operating Equipment & Supplies; Security & Technology; and The Resort Experience, covering all things outdoor including furniture, accessories and design and includes Hotel Spa, an important sector with more than 60% of all spa activity in the Middle East taking place in hotels. Alongside the show, are high level seminar programmes – The Seven Star Conference, now in its fifth year, and the Middle East Spa Summit.

For more information about The Hotel Show, please visit www.thehotelshow.com

About dmg
The Hotel Show is organised by dmg world media Dubai Ltd, a leader in the region’s exhibitions industry since 1999. dmg’s portfolio includes some of the largest and most important exhibitions in the Middle East. The Big 5 show, Index exhibition, ADIPEC the office exhibition and The Hotel Show are all recognised internationally as the most important events in their sectors. dmg world media Dubai Ltd is a division of dmg world media, an international exhibition and publishing company, which produces over 150 market-leading conferences and exhibitions and publishes 25 related magazines, newspapers, directories and market reports. dmg world media employs more than 750 people and maintains a worldwide presence through more than 30 offices in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates, China, Singapore, India, Australia and New Zealand. dmg world media is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT), one of the largest and most successful media companies in the United Kingdom. Additional information on dmg world media can be found at www.dmgworldmedia.com

Media contact
Nathalie Visele
Shamal Marketing Communications
Dubai Media City, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +9714 365 2711
Mob: +9715 0457 6525
Email: nathalie@smc-pr.com

The ‘Burj Dubai’ project required the use of a metallic matt powder coated finish to complement the aluminium for the 28,261 cladding panels that make up the exterior of the tower and its two annexes. To address this unique requirement, Jotun Powder Coatings developed a specially formulated ‘Corro-Coat PE-F Façade Iris and Oyster Bond‘, a bonded metallic product for this project. On the other hand, coating the 2,684 feet spire of the renowned tower is ‘Baltoflake’, a glass flake reinforced polyester coating that provides outstanding resistance to abrasion, water and most chemicals. The product was recommended by Jotun and chosen by the client for its 20-year life span and minimal need for maintenance.

“Building the world’s tallest tower is a tremendous feat that requires the highest quality materials and the expertise of construction innovators, and to be among the companies to be part of the team to deliver ‘Burj Dubai’ is a true honour for Jotun. This project has been a perfect opportunity for us to highlight our best-of-breed paint products and solutions,” said Trine Finnevolden, General Manager, Jotun Paints UAE. “In addition to our existing industry-leading products, we have also developed specially-formulated coatings for this outstanding project. This level of commitment, in addition to the proven effectiveness of our pioneering ‘Single Source Solution’ concept has driven the excellent results we have achieved for the paint and coating works of ‘Burj Dubai’.”

Identified as the most suitable product for a project of this nature, Jotun’s industry-leading ‘Jotashield’ brand has been used for the tower’s 120,000 sq metre basement car park because of its excellent adhesion and moisture resistance features, which protects concrete against ingression of salts and carbon dioxide. In addition, 26 custom colour shades from Jotun’s ‘Fenomastic’ range of emulsion and enamel paint was used in all interiors of the ‘Burj Dubai’, which covers a total area of 700,000 sq. metres. The lead-free and non-yellowing enamel paint also gives a tough yet smooth finish that lasts long and washes easily.

“Our involvement with the ‘Burj Dubai’ project has allowed us to highlight our capacity to deliver innovative products for specific projects with unique demands for coating and paint solutions. The completion of the paint and coating works on this acclaimed monumental project marks an exceptional milestone and achievement for Jotun, and stands as a testament to our commitment to the regional market. We are confident that our paint and coating solutions will prove more than satisfactory in protecting the world’s tallest tower against the ravages of climate and pollution for many years to come,” concluded Ram Ramnath, General Manager, Jotun Powder Coatings UAE.

Through its unique concept of ‘Single Source Solution’, Jotun provides a holistic approach to high quality and cost-effective, paints and coatings solutions for all substrates. The pioneering concept underlines Jotun’s ability to meet the global requirements of the consultants and engineers in the construction industry at all levels through new technologies, customized solutions, and extensive technical expertise and support. ‘Single Source Solution’ has benefited some of the world’s most prestigious and complex structures including the Eiffel Tower, Petronas towers in Malaysia, Nile City Complex and Burj Al Arab in Dubai.

About Jotun
Founded in 1926 in Norway, Jotun – one of the world’s leading paint manufacturers established its presence in the Middle East in 1974, with Jotun UAE Ltd. Ever since, Jotun has expanded dramatically throughout the region and is the first paint manufacturer to be awarded the ISO 9001 certification. Jotun has consistently invested in state of the art factories including the recently opened plant in the Al Quoz area of Dubai, UAE – the biggest worldwide for Jotun and the Middle East.

Jotun has been at the forefront in terms of developing products specifically suited to local conditions. Three decades of experience in the Middle East region, has helped the company produce a variety of conventional and specialized coatings – each incorporating the latest technological developments while offering performance with economy – catering to the various product segments and demands of the different markets. Today, Jotun’s diverse product range includes Decorative, Protective, Marine, Floor/Concrete Protection, Powder Coatings and Intumescent coatings, bearing a solid testament to the company’s reputation of being truly a single source solution for clients, consultants and contractors alike.

For more information, please contact:
CommuniGate Middle East
PO Box 66861, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 3988134
Fax: +971 4 3988137
Email: info@communigateme.com
Website: www.communigateme.com

More than 12,500 individually shaped glass panels have been installed on Capital Gate’s façade in a complex engineering feat which has taken ADNEC and its construction partners ten months to complete. In an intricate operation, each pane of glass had to be a slightly different shape and fitted at a different angle due to the building’s unique lean and its curved profile.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in Capital Gate’s development for the steady progress that is being made. The tower’s unique shape and character made the installation of the glazing particularly challenging for our engineers. It is a compliment to all involved that the installation took place during ADNEC’s busiest year ever for exhibitions and events, yet, there was no disruption to our visitors or exhibitors,” said Simon Horgan, ADNEC Group CEO.

Capital Gate forms the focal point of Capital Centre, the business and residential micro city being developed by ADNEC around the thriving Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. When fully complete, Capital Gate will feature the 5-star hotel – ‘Hyatt at Capital Centre’ besides playing host to some of the most exclusive office space in the UAE capital.

The glass panes on Capital Gate make up more than 700 larger glass “diamonds,” and were manufactured in the United Sates with the steel frames holding the glass precision-cut in Austria before being shipped to the UAE. ADNEC stored the glass panels away from the construction site and delivered them as needed, on enormous flatbed trucks. Once they reached the Capital Gate construction site they were meticulously placed into the correct position by on-site engineers.

The glass used is a highly energy-efficient, low ‘e’ category glass (Cardinal 240) containing 2 layers of silver inner coating allowing a high degree of natural light to permeate the building, while shielding users from harmful glare.

“The use of this advanced variety of glass is a ‘first’ for the UAE. The ‘pressure-plate’ system that has been developed for the steel frame which holds each pane in place guarantees the watertightness of the façade and allows thinner panes of glass to be used, thereby reducing the weight of the glazing system,” said Tony Archibold, Associate Director of RMJM, the international architectural firm that has designed Capital Gate.

“The lean and curve of the building added considerable complexity to the glazing process; there was little margin for error and we are pleased to have worked successfully to practically complete the glazing on Capital Gate in ten months. A few glass panes have deliberately been left out to ensure that adequate ventilation exists prior to the installation of the air conditioning.” added Archibold.

Due to its unique shape, Capital Gate is being constructed on top of a concrete raft with a dense mesh of reinforced steel. The steel Diagrid sits above an extensive distribution of 490 piles that have been drilled 30m underground to accommodate the gravitational and wind loads. The angles and dimensions of the building facade have been meticulously designed to ensure that each individually shaped panel accurately defines the shape of this magnificent structure.

About Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC)
Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) is a strategic international venue development and management company. ADNEC’s venue portfolio includes one of the most modern exhibition centre’s in the world – the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, and the UK capital’s largest exhibition and conference venue, ExCeL London.

ADNEC is creating unique business districts to serve Abu Dhabi’s rapid expansion and emergence on the global stage.

Development projects surrounding the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre include Capital Centre (a mixed-use development of 23 residential, commercial and mixed-use towers adjacent to the exhibition centre), Capital Gate (an iconic 35 storey gravity defying feature tower, featuring the 5-star hotel – ‘Hyatt at Capital Centre’) and a 2.4km Marina zone.

In addition, ADNEC is expanding within the region, with The Al Ain Convention Centre, a residential and business micro city around a state-of-the-art convention centre.

For more information visit www.adnec.ae; www.alaincc.ae; www.capitalcentre.ae; www.capitalgate.ae; www.excel-london.co.uk;

For further information:
Brian Carvalho
Marketing & PR Specialist
Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC)
T: 971 (0) 2 406 3475
Email: brian.carvalho@adnec.ae
Visit http://www.adnec.ae/press for the latest ADNEC news and images.

Or

Orient Planet, PR & Marketing Communications
P.O. Box 23345, Dubai UAE
Tel: 00 971 4 3988901
Fax: 00 971 4 3988941
Email: media@orientplanet.com
Website: www.orientplanet.com

Amidst the recession, the UAE remains a leader in the region in the construction arena, accounting for 66 per cent of all new projects in the GCC, which are valued at an estimated USD 149 billion. As the country expects the completion of high-end and middle-income residential properties until 2012, Danube is gearing up to address the need for high-quality interior design products including hard finishes such as floorings, ceilings and walls, which usually account for an average of 15 to 20 per cent of the total project value; and fit-outs including furniture and fixtures, electrical, kitchen and laundry works, which comprise an estimated 5 to 8 per cent.

“As we anticipate the completion of many construction projects in the UAE, we are covering all bases by strengthening our range of design and interior products, which we expect to witness significant demand once these developments approach their final construction stages,” said Rizwan Sajan, Chairman, Danube Building Materials. “The current market scenario bodes well for Danube BUILDMART, which we intend to build as a brand that offers the widest array of interior fittings and furniture to local customers. We are confident that our plans for further expansion will be met with a positive response from the UAE and regional market.”

Danube BUILDMART offers over 15,000 products within twenty four different sections, including chandeliers, Venetian blinds, light fittings, lawn and garden, curtains, carpets, home décor, kitchens, bathroom, tiles, shower rooms, Jacuzzis and flooring for ceramic and wood; and a ‘Design Centre’, where customers can acquire consultation and after sales services from Danube’s interior design experts. Products such as ceilings, doors, wallpapers, designed glasses, marble, wall panelling and different finishes of laminates are also displayed in an actual home setting for an easy and convenient shopping experience. At present, there are five retail outlets under the ‘Danube BUILDMART’ banner, which are located in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE; in addition to the outlets in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

“Leveraging our tremendous success across the country, we are currently finalising our plans for the launch of a flagship branch along Sheikh Zayed Road. While expansion plans in the UAE continue to be one of our priorities, we are also actively seeking for new destinations for the Danube brand across the region. Having successfully established the Danube name in a leading regional market such as the UAE and other GCC countries, we are more than ready to take on the rest of the region and grow our business by addressing the needs and challenges of new markets,” concluded Sajan.

About Danube Building Materials FZCO
Established in 1993, Danube Building Materials FZCO provides more than 15,000 products in stock and in-house value added services in all of its 14 showrooms across the UAE. The company operates from its head offices – a 285,000 square foot facility in Jafza north and a 365,000 square feet base in Jafza south, which houses its logistics centre, kiln drying facility, factory and warehouses. From a small trading firm, Danube has grown into one of the largest building materials company in the region, with eight branches in the UAE, two in Oman, one in Bahrain, two in China and one in India. Danube has a team of 1000 people working from strategic locations in across the Emirates, including Jebel Ali, Deira and Abu Dhabi. The company has been and is currently involved in major projects across the UAE, Oman and Bahrain, including Emirates Hills, the Burj Al Arab, Shangri-La Hotel, Grand Hyatt, Motor City, Burj Dubai, Dubai Airport Terminal 3, Yas Island, Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, and Al Raha Beach Hotel, among others.

For more information, please contact:
CommuniGate Middle East
PO Box 66861, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 3988134
Fax: +971 4 3988137
Email: info@communigateme.com
Website: www.communigateme.com

Jotun utilised its ‘Jotashield’ brand as the exterior paint for the project, with a total of 250 villas painted using ‘Jotashield Top Coat Silk’, and the golf academy coated with ‘Jotashield Heritage Traditional Tex’. ‘Fenomastic’, Jotun’s range of interior paints, has been used on the beach clubhouse and two model villas, while ‘Road Marking Paint’ marked the ring road, and ‘Penguard FC’ covered the metal doors across the development.

“We have built our global repute by associating our paint products with iconic developments and landmarks across the region, where we leverage our pioneering ‘Single Source Solution’ concept to effectively address the unique requirements of our regional clients,” said Per Harald Engesaeth, General Manager, El Mohandes Jotun Paints Egypt. “Our involvement in the prestigious ‘Marassi’ project signifies our growing strength in Egypt, while giving us an excellent opportunity to highlight the superiority of our individual specialty paint brands.”

Nestled over 1,544 acres of the pristine Sidi Abdel Rahman bay, ‘Marassi’ is a 6.25 million square meter year-round destination with an impressive spectrum of premier resort communities and amenities. Home to lavish Armani residences, the development also offers a world-class beach resort, a bustling town centre and Marina, an 18-hole golf course and a hand-picked selection of exclusive hotels, all designed to cater to the refined taste of the upmarket clientele.

“Through new technologies, customised solutions, and extensive technical expertise and support, we are steadily dominating the Egypt market for specialised paints for the most important development projects. Our continuous investment into product development defines an important facet of our plans for steady growth in the region, and a strong repute for the Jotun brand – one that is synonymous with top quality and specialized paint and coating products for a vast range of surfaces,” concluded Engesaeth.

The ‘Single Source Solution’, is a unique concept of Jotun Paints, which involves providing consultants and engineers with high quality, cost effective decorative and protective coatings. The paint products have been formulated to withstand extreme levels of UV light, various levels of humidity and corrosion, high and low ambient temperatures and other environmental pollutants to preserve their strength and appearance over the span of their service life cycle. The company’s ‘Single Source Solution’ has also been used in prestigious and complex projects like Nile City Complex in Egypt, the world’s tallest man-made structure – ‘Burj Dubai’, Madinat Jumeirah, the Burj Al Arab and The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, and also in some of the world’s most prestigious and complex structures like the Eiffel Tower, and the Petronas Towers in Malaysia.

About Jotun
Founded in 1926 in Norway, Jotun – one of the world’s leading paint manufacturers established its presence in the Middle East in 1974, with Jotun UAE Ltd. Ever since, Jotun has expanded dramatically throughout the region and is the first paint manufacturer to be awarded the ISO 9001 certification. Jotun has consistently invested in state of the art factories including the recently opened plant in the Al Quoz area of Dubai, UAE – the biggest worldwide for Jotun and the Middle East.

Jotun has been at the forefront in terms of developing products specifically suited to local conditions. Three decades of experience in the Middle East region, has helped the company produce a variety of conventional and specialized coatings – each incorporating the latest technological developments while offering performance with economy – catering to the various product segments and demands of the different markets. Today, Jotun’s diverse product range includes Decorative, Protective, Marine, Floor/Concrete Protection, Powder Coatings and Intumescent coatings, bearing a solid testament to the company’s reputation of being truly a single source solution for clients, consultants and contractors alike.

For more information, please contact:
CommuniGate Middle East
PO Box 66861, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 3988134
Fax: +971 4 3988137
Email: info@communigateme.com
Website: www.communigateme.com

The concrete pouring on the tower, which is a B+G+4type+HC building that occupies a total plot area of 5,799 sq. m., has been completed using five mobile concrete pumps and a laser level machine. These were fixed by SHGC and the team from Remix Tech, the concrete supplier who sourced the material from two plants in separate areas. The pour was fully supervised by consultant Engr. Adnan Saffarini Office, with SHGC taking the necessary steps to ensure that the ideal concrete temperature was maintained as well as the overall safety of the workers.

“We have been working non-stop to hit the delivery deadline of ‘Ajman Uptown’, and we are leveraging the expertise of our partners to ensure that progress will mirror the targets we have previously set,” said Fawad Sattar Dero, Managing Director, Sweet Homes General Contracting. “The construction milestones we have achieved one after another reiterate our commitment to our investors and stakeholders, and the strength we maintain to deliver on our promise and contribute to the growth of Ajman as a real estate destination in the region.”

Comprised of 1,504 villas, seven commercial and residential towers with a shopping mall, hotels, hospital, two Mosques, club, market and a school, ‘Ajman Uptown’ takes inspiration from classic French architecture with the overall theme ‘L’ Art De Vivre’ or ‘Redefining the Art of Living’. Spread over 4 million square feet of land that is directly accessible from the Emirates Road and adjacent to Emirates City, the project offers 8 different types of two, three and four-bedroom townhouses and exclusively designed five-bedroom VIP villas. Sweet Homes has taken on all aspects of development within ‘Ajman Uptown’, with its construction arm – Sweet Homes General Contracting undertaking the AED 2.2 billion main contract as well as the project’s initial groundworks.

“We are very pleased with the exceptional progress we are making despite the challenges of the economic downturn. We are optimistic that the recovery of the real estate market and the evolution of legislation in Ajman to provide more benefits for investors will have more significant impact to the growth of ‘Ajman Uptown’ as one of the most sought-after communities in the country,” concluded Fahad Sattar Dero, Managing Director, Sweet Homes Holdings.

For more information, please contact:
Sweet Homes Holdings
PO Box 35616, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 2955640
Fax: +971 4 2955641

Al Tayer made this announcement during a tour he recently made to inspect the work progress in the Green Line Stations of Dubai Metro project, which took him to Al Qusais Depot, the Command & Control Center, the multi-level Park-and-Ride facilities, Al Nahdah Station, Bani Yas Station, and Al Ras Station. During the tour Al Tayer was accompanied by the CEO of Rail Agency Abdul Majeed Al Khaja and several directors and engineers supervising the project.

Al Tayer set off his tour by inspecting the metro Depot at Al Qusais, where construction works have exceeded 70%. The Depot; a garage for maintaining & cleaning of metro carriages, is fitted with air-conditioners and advanced firefighting systems. It comprises a parking area for train carriages and has a capacity to house 60 trains at a time. It includes Rail Operations Systems Control Center; which ensures the safety of doors, brakes and engines in each train separately, as well as the air-conditioning systems and other sophisticated sub systems. It also contains workshops for carrying out maintenance works, and dedicated workshops for washing and cleaning of train carriages.

Al Tayer then inspected the work progress in Trains Systems Control Center; which is fitted with the state-of-the-art technologies enabling full control of the daily metro operation on both the Red and Green Lines.

The Center also provides control, supervision and monitoring of rail traffic & systems through supervising the functionality of the auto train movement, communication systems, electrical transformers, and power feed system for both the trains and metro stations. It also enables supervision of safety systems such as fire-fighting systems, ventilation systems in tunnels, stations & trains in addition to rail air-conditioning systems, and safety of doors, brakes and engines of each train. The Center also acts as a point of communication with rail commuters in the event of emergency through the communication systems on board the carriages and the Control Room.

Al Tayer reviewed the work progress in the multi-level Park-and-Ride facility which has a capacity to house 2350 vehicles in order to encourage the public use the metro in their mobility within the emirate of Dubai. The building has been designed to provide ample space for feeder buses, ensure smooth traffic flow and accommodate huge numbers of cars at the same time. It is also fitted with footbridges linking up with the other opposite side of the road in order to provide easy and safe access to the metro station, while providing all the standard safety measures for passenger movement in the building.

Al Tayer completed his site tour by inspecting the work progress at Al Nahdah Station; an elevated station that has a capacity of about 11,00 passengers per hour in each direction. The station extends about 130 meters in length and 30 meters in width and has two entry points fitted with escalators and lifts. Al Tayer toured the station in which the completion rate reached about 50%, where he directed to expedite the completion of electromechanical works and installation of escalators in the station.

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer moved on to inspect the work progress at Bani Yas Station; which is one of six underground stations on the Green Line. The station measures about 144 meters in length and has a width ranging from 22 meters to 53 meters with a capacity to handle about 8,000 passengers per hour. He toured the station which contains wide areas to be invested in various commercial activities such as restaurants, cafes, convenient stores, property showrooms, bank services and ATMs. Construction works in the station have reached an advanced stage exceeding 80% while the completion of internal decorations has hit 80% as well.

Al Tayer then inspected the work progress at Al Ras Station; where construction works exceeded 50%. The station is one of two stations that feature heritage design illustrating the history and legacy of the UAE. The theme of the design revolves around employing the architectural traditional elements used in antique buildings, such as wind towers (Brajeel), oriel (mashrabia), alleyways (sukaik), internal arches and others through replicating them in an enhanced manner, while taking into consideration the aesthetic and technical dimensions of those elements such that the heritage-inspired stations would match the traditional souqs in the locality and look like a natural extension of the Heritage & Diving Village, fitting well with the antique & existing control towers in the area.

Upon concluding his tour Al Tayer expressed his delight with the work progress in various locations of the project, and commended the efforts of all personnel working tirelessly to complete the project. However, he called on the contracting company to do more to ensure opening of all stations on time.

The ‘Danube BUILDMART’ branch in Abu Dhabi is witnessing success and growing patronage among contractors, joineries and architects due to its complete selection of home interiors and building materials. This includes chandeliers, light fittings, wallpapers, venetian blinds, luxury bathroom fittings, shower rooms, massage bathtubs, parquet flooring, ceramic/Gres porcelain wall and flooring tiles, and architectural hardware, in addition to a ‘Design Centre’ where design professionals give out expert advice to customers on the best products, design materials and other design-related inquiries. Leveraging the success of its initial venture in Abu Dhabi, the company has announced plans to open another branch at the Dalma Mall, which is stated to be the biggest of all the branches.

“Demand is being driven primarily by the Abu Dhabi Government’s consumption and its unwavering efforts to promote the emirate as a leading business and tourism hub via improvements in infrastructure and major construction projects,” said Rizwan Sajan, Chairman, Danube Building Materials. “With our recently opened ‘Danube BUILDMART’ branch in Abu Dhabi, we are anticipating increased orders from major clients whom we have forged strategic partnerships with since the launch of our flagship store in the capital. We are gearing up to address this demand, as part of our comprehensive expansion plan that covers the entire GCC region.”

In addition to the government’s direct focus on construction to address the burgeoning requirement for built space, another factor that is driving Abu Dhabi’s construction activities and the demand for building materials is the emirate’s aims to increase its foreign direct investment (FDI), which according to latest data available has hit approximately AED 31.5 billion in 2007. Of this, real estate and rents account for the largest share at approximately AED 11.84 billion or 38 per cent of the total FDI figure. Leveraging the continuing stabilisation of construction material prices in the region, Danube has opened three other branches in UAE –in RAK, in Fujairah and in Deira, Dubai, in addition to the retail store in Abu Dhabi.

“Abu Dhabi has become a key market for us, given the astounding amount of construction activities in the emirate, which are relatively unaffected by the current downturn. We are expecting to generate excellent business amidst the positive projections directed towards this market, and with this in mind, we continue to invest in product and business development to further enhance our product range and services to exceed customer expectations,” concluded Sajan.

About Danube Building Materials FZCO
Established in 1993, Danube Building Materials FZCO provides more than 15,000 products in stock and in-house value added services in all of its 14 showrooms across the UAE. The company operates from its head offices – a 285,000 square foot facility in Jafza north and a 365,000 square feet base in Jafza south, which houses its logistics centre, kiln drying facility, factory and warehouses. From a small trading firm, Danube has grown into one of the largest building materials company in the region, with eight branches in the UAE, two in Oman, one in Bahrain, two in China and one in India. Danube has a team of 1000 people working from strategic locations in across the Emirates, including Jebel Ali, Deira and Abu Dhabi. The company has been and is currently involved in major projects across the UAE, Oman and Bahrain, including Emirates Hills, the Burj Al Arab, Shangri-La Hotel, Grand Hyatt, Motor City, Burj Dubai, Dubai Airport Terminal 3, Yas Island, Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, and Al Raha Beach Hotel, among others.

For more information, please contact:
CommuniGate Middle East
PO Box 66861, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 3988134
Fax: +971 4 3988137
Email: info@communigateme.com
Website: www.communigateme.com

Memon has also detailed the awarding of various important contracts to some of the UAE’s top contractors and MEP companies. Anwar Al Aqsa, a leading MEP contractor, will manage the electrical, fire alarm, plumbing and fire fighting installments for the two towers. The installation of elevators for CT II and III has been awarded to ETA MELCO, who will be installing six high-speed, state-of-the-art Mitsubishi units, whilst shoring, initial excavation and foundation work has been undertaken by Stromek Emirates Foundation. Further, Al Sarh Contracting has been placed in charge of construction for both CT II and CT III. In addition, HI TECH Electro Mechanical Contracting Est. has also been awarded the contract to install YORK air conditioning units for the CT II project.

Rizwan Shaikhani, Joint Managing Director, Memon Investments, said, “Various construction projects in the UAE have reported delays and difficulties as a result of being affected by the current economic downturn. However, Memon Investments remains committed to its promise of on-time project delivery. Our efforts to partner with some of the country’s leading contractors, suppliers and MEP companies have allowed us to keep our projects running at an impressive pace, giving us the confidence to assure our clients that both CT II and CT III will be delivered on time.”

Champions Tower II is a 14-storey tower with a total built-up area of 231,454 square feet, which will include 172 apartments comprising 72 studios, 72 one-bedroom and 28 two-bedroom apartments, each with its own magnificent view of the lush greenery exuding a relaxing ambience. The tower provides easy access to an 18-hole golf course, a cricket stadium and various sport-oriented academies, rugby and football pitches and a track and field stadium. As the culmination of the sophisticated combination of luxury and high technology living set amidst a sports-oriented environment, the tower also offers a handful of modern facilities including a communal swimming pool, spa and sauna, Jacuzzi, a fully equipped gymnasium and an indoor games room.

Champions Tower III is a B+G+15+HC tower with a total built-up area of 283,672 square feet, and offers a total of 254 elegant units comprising of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. CT III features include a spacious fine marble lobby, three high-speed elevators, basement parking, ground floor covered parking, concierge and valet parking services, 24-hour manned security and an in-house maintenance team. World-class stadiums and academies, educational, religious and healthcare facilities, as well as posh restaurants and cafés and a sports-themed shopping mall in the gated community are all at walking distance from the luxurious residential property.

“CT II and CT III reflect Memon Investment’s vision to provide property development projects that suit the lifestyle of our target market while consequently allowing us to deliver investment opportunities that yield in high significant returns. Moreover, Memon Investments continues to remain steadfast in its role as prime developer of iconic development projects, clearly redefining the UAE’s real estate sector and helping in its drive for economic progress,” concluded Shaikhani.

About Memon Investments LLC
Founded as the property development arm of the international business conglomerate, the Memon Group of Companies, Memon Investments has grown to become a leading property player in the region offering a diversified portfolio of premium property projects. Guided by a tradition of excellence, the developer’s intense focus lies within its core competencies, specifically acquisition, design and development, consultancy, leasing and management of properties. Leveraging the Memon Group’s extensive real estate development experience, Memon Investments’ UAE portfolio comprises of prestigious residential projects including ‘Champions Towers I, II, III, and IV’ and ‘Frankfurt Sports Tower I’ in Dubai Sports City; ‘Gardenia I & II’ in Jumeirah Village, and its inaugural commercial venture – ‘Cambridge Business Centre’ in Dubai Silicon Oasis, all of which embody the developer’s trademark top-notch quality and uniqueness.

Having delivered over 30,000 units across the globe with a presence in 90 countries spread across Asia, Africa, Middle East and Europe, the Memon Group of Companies is presently commemorating its 30th year of delivering unique offerings and services to its global customers. In addition to its extensive expertise in the real estate market, the Group has also built a strong reputation for its unwavering support for various causes such as poverty alleviation, environmental conservation and academic development. As a socially-aware international corporation, the Group has devoted 19 years in support of the Rabia Charitable Foundation and the Rabia Relief Fund.

For any questions or to arrange an interview please contact:
CommuniGate Middle East
P.O. Box 66861, Dubai, U.A.E
Tel: +971 4 3988134
Fax: +971 4 3988137
Email: info@communigateme.com