HTC Corporation, a global designer of smartphones, has announced that it has recently appointed Nikitas Glykas as Regional Director of HTC South Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Glykas will be responsible for the overall marketing and sales business of HTC in South Eastern Europe and the Middle East, which jointly cover a total of 33 markets.

Prior to joining HTC, Glykas was CEO of Shelman SA where he was responsible for the overall business of SHELMAN and four affiliated companies in Greece. He also previously worked at M J Maillis Group S.A. for more than six years and at Mobil Hellas AE as Balkans Marketing Coordinator, which has helped enhance his expertise and knowledge of key regional markets.

“HTC continues to increase its share in the mobile market through innovative, premium-quality products and a select range of value-added services. It will be a distinct honour for me to spearhead HTC’s growth initiatives in South Eastern Europe and the Middle East, which continue to offer excellent business potential for HTC’s diverse product range. I am certainly very pleased to be part of the continuing success of the HTC brand in these high-growth regions,” said Nikitas Glykas, Regional Director of HTC South Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Glykas holds a M.Sc. in Environmental and Ecological Sciences from the University of Lancaster, England and a B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Athens. He has also attended an Advanced Management Program in Harvard Business School.

“Mr. Glykas’ extensive marketing experience and leadership expertise will be invaluable assets as we continue to pursue new growth initiatives and enhance our reputation as a premium provider of practical solutions to mobile users in the region. His appointment is a clear affirmation of HTC’s long-term commitment to South Eastern Europe and Middle East markets,” said Florian Seiche, vice president, HTC Europe.

Global market expected to be worth $637.5 billion by 2013*; Sector is one of key drivers at Hardware + Tools Middle East 2010

The Home Improvement and Do-it-Yourself (DIY) sectors are seeing continued growth worldwide.  This growth is also reflected in the region with a surge in exhibitors in the DIY sector for this year’s Hardware + Tools Middle East exhibition.  The event will take place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 18th to 20th.

Mr Ahmed Pauwels, Chief Executive Officer, Epoc Messe Frankfurt GmbH, organisers of Hardware + Tools ME, said: “Worldwide, the home improvement market is still on the upswing and is expected to be worth $637.5 billion by 2013, an increase of 12 percent over 2008. The market represents a huge growth potential globally which we are also seeing in the region.”

Retailers in the Home Improvement and DIY sector in the region have reported a continuous demand with sales of hand and power tools encouraging as a large number of people opt  to do their own repair and maintenance work.  It was noted at Hardware & Tools Middle East 2009 that the Hand and Power Tools sector drew strong interest from the 5,490 trade visitors to the event.

Ms Mehtap Kenar, Senior Show Manager, Hardware + Tools Middle East, commented: “The increase in the DIY and Home Improvement markets is largely driven by a sustained demand in emerging mar-kets. The DIY sector in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East markets es-pecially, is continually increasing.  This is reflected by the surge in this sector that we experienced at last year’s event and expect to see again at Hardware + Tools in May.”

Interest in the DIY sector is expected to drive an increasing number of visitors to this year’s event, which will feature 350 exhibitors from 14 countries exhibiting their wares in the Tools, Machinery and Hardware sectors in the region’s only specialised trade event of its kind.

Hardware & Tools Middle East is a must-attend show for all retailers, distributors and contractors in the region and has firmly established itself over the last 11 years as a solid platform for industry profes-sionals in the Middle East.

Industry experts help transport and fleet managers to increase operational efficiency and effectiveness at Commercial Vehicles Conference.

Dubai, UAE 10th March 2010:  Commercial vehicles operators that identify the full range of costs a vehicle incurs over its lifecycle can achieve significant savings in the long-term, an industry expert said today.

Marc Legeay, Marketing Director at Renault Trucks said it is important for commercial vehicle operators to look beyond the initial and more obvious costs such as purchase price when deciding which vehicle to buy, and consider things like fuel consumption, driver salaries, maintenance and depreciation, which form a large proportion of costs over a vehicle’s lifecycle.

“Vehicle operators in this region typically focus on the purchase and financing costs and overlook the long-term costs of running a vehicle,” said Legeay. “The initial cost and type of vehicle purchased can also influence future costs. Commercial vehicle operators who pay less at the beginning might end up paying a lot more over a vehicle’s lifecycle.’

Legeay provided a comprehensive analysis on ‘The lifetime costs’ of operating a truck on the second day of the Commercial Vehicles Conference, taking place alongside Commercial Vehicles Middle East (www.commvehicles.com) in Dubai. He was joined by several other regional and international speakers who offered practical advice to the region’s transport and fleet managers during sessions on ‘Efficiency and Effectiveness’, ‘Ownership and Financial Best Practice’ and ‘Technological Advances: tracking, security and monitoring’.

Commercial Vehicles 2

Abdul Salam Al Hammadi, Head of Vehicle, Equipment and Maintenance, Dubai Municipality Transportation Department opened the conference with a presentation on ‘Enforcing international standards for a better operations environment’ and Adel Adamo, Certified Trainer, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport International, UK spoke on ‘Enhancing skills for better operations performance.’

Fabio Castello, General Manager of Scania Middle East delivered a presentation on ‘Practical strategies to ensure high fuel efficiency’ and Ian Godfrey, Director, CIPD Auto, UK outlined ‘Methods of continuously improving service (workshop) operations.
 
“Transport efficiency is a combination of many factors such as correct specification of equipment to ensure it suits 100 per cent of the tasks being performed, proper vehicle maintenance to reduce breakdowns, increase uptime and reduce repairs, and one of the key factors is increasing fuel efficiency,” said Castello.

The afternoon included a panel session on ‘Ownership and Financial Best Practices’ with an analysis of the ‘Cost of Ownership’ by Robin Voogd, General Manger of Leaseplan, UAE. Voogd was joined in the panel session by Imy Kassam, CEO, Stepping Stone Business Consultancy and Matthew Eisenegger, General Manager, Campbells, UK.

The final session on ‘Technological Advances: tracking, security and monitoring’ included presentations on the ‘Benefits of commercial vehicle tracking’ by Roy J Nasrallah, General Manager, GEO & Logic GIS Solutions; ‘Telematics: How it can reduce fleet costs’ by Chris Weiner, Solutions Architect, Arab IT; and a live demonstration on ‘Online vehicle tracking’ by Rani Ghazzawi, General Manager, Fleet Management Systems International

• New manufacturing facility in TechnoPark to drive expansion of Dynergy Technologies, a subsidiary of Emaar Industries & Investments
• New Plant brings in seven-fold expansion in production capacity
• 22,000 sq m LV and MV electrical switchboard manufacturing facility to create 300 jobs
• Emaar Industries & Investments provides support in business development, marketing, banking relations and corporate governance

Dubai, UAE; March 10, 2010: Emaar Industries & Investments Ltd (EII), a member of Emaar Properties PJSC, celebrated the opening of a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant for low voltage and medium voltage switchboards of its subsidiary Dynergy Technologies in TechnoPark, Dubai.

The first phase of the new facility, sprawling over 22,000 sq m, will create 300 jobs and has a capacity to produce 30,000 switchboard panels per year. Work on the second phase is being planned with a new extension for medium voltage panels and a new product line.

Dynergy Technologies is specialised in the assembly and supply of Low Voltage (LV) and Medium Voltage (MV) electrical switchboards and focuses on facilitating energy solutions for local communities, hotels and construction projects.

Emaar Industries & Investments, as a facilitator of the industrial and manufacturing sector, supports Dynergy in business development, marketing, establishing banking relations and implementing strong corporate governance measures. EII also secured a partnership with ABB Industries for Dynergy products thus bringing in advanced power and automation technology to the company.

Mr. Mohammed Saeed Al Raqbani CEO of EII said: “The industrial and manufacturing sector is fast evolving as a key growth driver of Dubai’s economy, with small and medium enterprises accounting for up to 98.5 per cent of Dubai’s business sector and accounting for 61 per cent of the total workforce. Emaar Industries & Investments complements the diversification efforts of Dubai Government by providing tangible and strategic support to industries in achieving their larger growth goals. The region presents an attractive opportunity for private investments in the manufacturing sector due to the planned growth to its economies, institutional reforms and market liberalization, which all create opportunities for large-scale transactions.”

He explained: “The expansion of Dynergy Technologies to a new manufacturing facility in TechnoPark will further empower the company to enhance its production capacity, and also seek new geographic markets for the company’s product range. EII’s continued support will further empower Dynergy to drive growth, create new job opportunities and expand its product range.

Providing turnkey solutions in LV and MV switchgear, Dynergy was previously operating out of small rented premises with a production capacity of only 4,000 panels per year. TechnoPark was selected as an ideal base for its own premises following an in-depth survey on various zone options in the Emirate.

Mr. Mahnad Kashani, member of Board of Directors at Dynergy Technologies, said: “Our expansion to the new, state-of-the-art premises in TechnoPark follows extensive market research. The market for LV panels alone is estimated at AED 1.5 billion and Dynergy aims at tapping this growing market. We target a turnover of AED 200 million by 2012, and the new premises, developed with the support of EII, will help us achieve our goal. With a seven-fold increase in production capacity, the plant will help us meet our customer requirements by providing high quality, reliable and cost-effective products.”

He added: “The capacity expansion and economies of scale that the new plant brings in will create a competitive advantage for Dynergy. The new plant will also assist us in further emphasising on research and development supported by adequate technical expertise.”

With all products type-tested as per the specifications of an independent quality certification authority in the UK as well as IEC, Dynergy expects the new facility to drive its expansion into new markets in the GCC region. The company adheres to clean, reliable and safe manufacturing practices as part of its commitment to sustainable development.

The new plant also has several energy-efficient practices with production taking place under a sun-lit semi-glassed roof and using pneumatic tools system to save electricity consumption. Dynergy is a member of the Emirates Green Building Council and currently runs a third-party assessment for greenhouse gas emission, as the first step to becoming a carbon neutral entity.

Dynergy offers the complete power distribution solutions for 400V and will be providing up to 22kV three-phase power. The product range includes LV main distribution boards; MV distribution boards, sub-main distribution boards, final distribution boards, capacitor banks and motor control centres, among others. “

Emaar Industries & Investments has an extensive portfolio of companies and joint ventures and serves as one of the primary facilitators in driving sustainable industrial growth and development. The company has forged several key partnerships, all of which have gained significant growth. EII is following a strategic business model focused on sustaining and growing capacity, and diversifying the geographical reach of the companies operating currently under its umbrella.

GCC steel suppliers reinforce presence in the market

March 10, 2010

The current price of steel in the UAE has seen a monthly increase from December 2009 to reach AED 2,150 per tonne in March this year - a growth pattern that is posing major prospects for the regional market in terms of its implications on the capacity of mills to operate at full capacity, according to Danube Building Materials, the leader in construction, building materials and shop fitting industries. The company further revealed that scrap prices continue to firm up, costs of raw materials steadily increase, and billet availabilty is constrained. Further price hikes are likely in the coming months, thereby prompting local steel suppliers to strongly reinforce their presence in the regional market. The steady price hike in the region, however, is not in tandem with the steep levels by which global steel prices are rising, which is a reflection that the steel market in the region is becoming indifferent to global market forces and thus continues to have a significant lag behind price surges in other parts of
the world.

The price of steel in the UAE started its recent climb from a rate of AED 1,780 per tonne in November-December 2009, to AED 1,850 in January 2010, to AED 1,950 in February, and to its present rate of AED 2,150 per tonne. Comparatively, global steel (mill) prices have gone from USD 490 (December 2009) to USD 520 (January 2010) to USD 535 (February 2010) to USD 570 (March 2010), and latest estimates reveal that a price of USD 600 is imminent. The region’s indifference to the rate of increase seen in global prices is partly due to weak demand, as a result of some major projects in the Middle East being delayed or put on hold. Furthermore, liquidity in payment remains tough, with most contractors and developers unable to commit to immediate payments for suppliers in the region.

“The local steel market required up to 400,000 tonnes of steel per month in the years prior to the recession but this has reduced to 250,000 tonnes per month on account of the international economic downturn,” said Rizwan Sajan, Chairman, Danube Building Materials. “The increasing role played by GCC-based steel suppliers, which has curbed the flow of Turkish steel into the country, is also an indicator of the increasing growth potential for the regional steel industry. We remain optimistic that steel prices in the region will increase to reach its ideal level, which is somewhere around AED 2,300 - 2,400 per tonne, and this will provide a boost to the mills, which have been affected by the recession to gain full operation capacity and thereby stabilise the market.”

At present, top UAE-based suppliers Emirates Steel Mills and Qatar Steel Corporation dominate the regional supply chain, delivering a combined 175,000 tonnes of steel (125,000 tonnes and 50,000 tonnes, respectively), to the UAE. With scrap traders holding on to existing stockpiles and a lower collection of scrap over the past few months, steel prices in the region have increased at rates of close to 12 per cent in the last month. Whilst billet availability remains another issue in the region, Danube is confident that the current steel prices are a realistic reflection of the market and bode well for the remainder of the year.

“The global market has seen steel prices drop to an all-time low of USD 390 back in 2008, while prices in the region had hit the bottom price of AED 1,750 per tonne in 2009. During these periods, the steel industry has had major difficulties coping with the closure or slowing down of mills. The increase in prices we are monitoring in the UAE and the rest of the region is suggestive of positive developments in the stability of the steel industry, and we are watching for further indicators to help us leverage this excellent progress,” concluded Sajan

Dubai, UAE, March 10, 2010: This March, give your wardrobe a make-over with the new spring/summer collection from The United Colors of Benetton.

The exciting new womenswear collection is divided into five different stylish sections with each one inspired by music – The Way You Make Me Feel, Remember the Time, Liberian Girl, You Rock my World and Black and White – so whether she is looking for a casual linen top or a timeless classic cocktail dress, every woman can find something that suits them.

Outerwear remains the key player for women during the spring, together with shirts, which double up as dresses. New cotton-based textiles and patterns are used with reversible fabrics creating a ‘double’ effect, brightening up a wardrobe in one stylish item.

“We wanted to create a collection which everyone woman can relate to and offer a breath of fresh air to their wardrobes – we have included knitwear in soft yarns such as cotton and light cashmere with plenty of rural flora prints creating a range with a fluttering, floating feel”, says Ajai Dayal, Head of Retail and Marketing for Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, of which Benetton is a member.

“At the other end of the spectrum, we have included glamorous shirts with elegant details, cocktail dresses and sweaters with soft drapes in black, white and pink”, continues Mr Dayal. “At United Colors of Benetton we understand that every woman has their own style and this fresh, new spring/summer collection gives a great choice, whatever your mood.”

The first men’s collection of the year includes a mix of sporty, summery and out-and-about items. It is divided into four stylish sections – Jacko, Another Part of Me, Man in the Mirror and Bad. The collection features a combination of classic cotton trench coats, Bermuda shorts and denims. Benetton has taken full advantage of what is available in the world of fashion by using new fabrics and new design concepts to complete the collection. 

For children, there is one large collection on offer to meet the tastes of children all over the world. For her, little patterned or plain coloured dresses are essential, whereas for him, casual items like checked Bermudas teamed with polo or rugby shirts are perfect.

Special attention is placed on the range of jeans in the spring/summer collection with many different models and washes, for both boys and girls.

United Colors of Benetton spring/summer 2010 collection will be available in all stores in Dubai (Dubai Mall, Diera City Centre, Jumeirah Centre, Mall of the Emirates and Arabian Centre) and Abu Dhabi’s Al Raha Mall from March.

Beautyworld Middle East is ideally positioned to take advantage of market opportunities

DUBAI (March 2010) – The market for fragrances in the GCC is esti-mated at AED 11 billion per annum accounting for approximately 20 per cent of the world market according to a recent study*. On top of this, the per capita spending in cosmetics and perfumes is said to be one of the highest in the world.

“Beautyworld Middle East taps into this wealth of opportunity and opens doors for international companies wishing to take advantage of this emerging market,” said Mr Ahmed Pauwels, Chief Executive Offi-cer of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organiser of Beautyworld Middle East.

The UAE (United Arab Emirates), where tax-free incomes are the norm, is projected to see a surge of 25% in its population from the current 6 million to almost 7.5 million by 2010**. Concurrently, the purchase of beauty products in the UAE has been expanding at over 12.5% per year, accounting for a 30% expansion in beauty and per-fume retail space in the past three years.

According to Ms Elaine O’Connell, Senior Show Manager, Beauty-world Middle East: “The fragrance market is an important area of growth for us and we are developing the fragrance section at the event.  This year we are introducing an innovative Fragrance Station where visitors can ‘spray and sniff’ perfumes and then find the stand number for that perfume at the base of the bottle. We expect a large number of the trade visitors to the show to be specifically interested in fragrances and toiletries.”

Some leading companies dealing in perfumes and fragrances that will be exhibiting at this years’ event include Ajmal, Swiss Arabian, Arome Concept France, Sterling Perfumes, Euro Fragrance, Identiscents, Noorani, AMA Perfumes, Afnan and S.S. Global Fragrances, amongst many others.

Beautyworld Middle East 2010 will take place from June 1st to 3rd at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The exhibition is the leading trade show for cosmetics, beauty prod-ucts, fragrances and the wellness and spas industry in the Middle East region. With a strong international profile, it has played a major role in the growth and development of the beauty and wellness indus-try in this region over the last fourteen years.

Beautyworld Middle East is a part of a series of highly successful showcases organised by the Messe Frankfurt group, one of the lead-ing trade fair organisers in the world with a portfolio of 92 trade fairs worldwide.

BDP merges with local practice SYNA to expand into the Middle East

Europe’s largest building design practice, BDP, has announced today that it will open an office on 1 April in Abu Dhabi after agreeing to merge with local based multidisciplinary design practice SYNA.

BDP was founded in 1961 and is ranked in the top 10 architects in the world and the largest architect in Western Europe with an annual turnover of approximately AED 600m ($163m) in the last financial year. It employs more than 1,200 architects, designers, engineers, urbanists, sustainability experts, lighting designers and acoustics specialists in 15 studios across the UK, France, Ireland and Netherlands.

The internationally acclaimed architect has designed distinguished schemes such as the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, London. BDP was responsible for creating a new master plan for the Grand Slam tennis venue and designing the new 11,000-seat No 1 Court, a broadcast centre, the Millennium Building and a new Court 2.

However, BDP is best known for its focus on community projects, such as schools, universities, hospitals and city centre regeneration. Last year BDP was shortlisted for seven awards by the Royal Institute of British Architects including its work on the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton, the Bridge Academy school in London and the 42 acre master plan for Liverpool One - the retail-led scheme developed by Grosvenor that has successfully regenerated Liverpool city centre.

SYNA has more than 30 years of experience of designing viable and successful projects across the Gulf particularly in the hospitality sector, and has had offices in Abu Dhabi since 1993. SYNA’s project experience includes the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort in Dubai and Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna, Abu Dhabi..
 
BDP has been growing its presence in the Middle East. It designed the ABC Shopping Mall in Beirut and was commissioned in 2007 by ODAC (Office for Development of Administrative Centres) to design 10 university complexes across Libya. However BDP chose to merge with SYNA because of their ability to deliver complex projects, through understanding the region’s culture and practices, as well as a multi-facetted and inclusive approach to design, very similar to the approach that BDP adopt in the execution of their projects worldwide.

“We celebrate our 50th anniversary next year and during that time have established ourselves as the largest and one of the leading architect-led interdisciplinary practices in Europe, but now is the right time for BDP to become a true global player,” said David Cash, BDP’s international director and now the new chairman of the BDP Abu Dhabi studio.

“We consider the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to be one of the most exciting places in the world to display our range of skills and experience and we view Abu Dhabi as fast becoming the major commercial centre within this region,” he added.

The BDP Abu Dhabi practice will be run by Nadine Nackasha, who managed the original SYNA practice in Abu Dhabi and Gary Dicken, who has relocated to the Emirate from the BDP Manchester Office. Gary has been working with BDP for the last 23 years.

Nackasha explained that BDP will to continue to invest in building a world class building design practice in Abu Dhabi that will offer the full range of services, adding sustainability expertise and specialist engineering skills, including acoustics and lighting designers, so that clients can enjoy the diversity that BDP has to offer locally as they would find in BDP’s London or Manchester studios.

“BDP will relocate a number of specialists from the UK to work alongside the former SYNA team to create a new exciting building design studio in Abu Dhabi,” said Nackasha. “This international expertise combined with the local knowledge and understanding of the Middle East market from SYNA will create a compelling new practice in the region.”

BDP will be exhibiting during Cityscape Abu Dhabi at ADNEC between 18-21 April.

Sulayem marks opening of Commercial Vehicles Middle East with challenge to make new models as long lasting as predecessors

Dubai, UAE 9th March 2010:  Mohammed Ben Sulayem marked the official opening of the Middle East’s new showcase event for the commercial vehicles industry in Dubai today by urging manufacturers to keep safety and the environment as major priorities as they plan their recovery from the economic downturn.

Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE and a highly respected figure in automotive circles, also called on the leading commercial vehicle brands to prove that new models being launched today can be as reliable and long lasting as their predecessors.

Speaking on the opening day of Commercial Vehicles Middle East, the new three-day exhibition and conference in Dubai, the FIA Vice President said: “I’m happy to see something positive happening, as it’s been a tough time for the motor industry as a whole.

“The good news today is that the commercial vehicles industry in the region has a new focal point in Dubai. It’s great to see so many big names supporting this event, supporting each other, making a stand, sending a message that they’re here to stay, and that better times are ahead.”

Added Sulayem: “At the ATCUAE we’re concerned with vehicle safety, and with the effects on the environment from emissions. I hope to see that the new models on show this week reflect that the manufacturers are just as concerned as we are.”

Official opening 2

The event was officially opened by Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Major General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police. Essa Abdulrahman Al Dossari, CEO, Public Transport Agency, RTA delivered the opening address at the conference.

The introduction of the new three-day event has been well received by manufacturers, with brands like Nissan, Renault, Hino and Foton among those unveiling new models this week inside Sheikh Saeed Halls 2 & 3 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

At Sulayem’s suggestion, event organisers Streamline Marketing Group invited Sharjah Old Cars Club and Museum to put on a display of classic commercial vehicles dating back to the 1940s.

“They’re a reminder that commercial vehicles are part of the history of the UAE and the  Middle East as a whole,” said Sulayem. “Some say they’re not made like this any more, that today’s vehicles don’t last as long.

“It’s up to the manufacturers to prove them wrong. I hope they do, and that years from now vehicles being launched this week will be part of another classic collection, at a much bigger event. This is just the start, but it’s a good one.”

As the industry recovers from the effects of the global downturn, regional and international commercial vehicles suppliers, and local government departments and transport agencies are confident that the industry will see more growth in 2010 and beyond.

Mustansir Lakdawala, Managing Director of Renault GCC said: “The commercial vehicles sector is becoming competitive as fleet managers, small and medium sized businesses and traders are looking for vehicles that offer more versatility, durability and value for money.

Official opening 3

“This sector is extremely important for Renault GCC and our two new Logan Pick-up and Van models are ideal for those looking for the perfect balance.  As the region’s only specialised event for commercial vehicles, we feel this is an ideal platform for Renault to launch and showcase its new light commercial vehicles line-up.”

Supported by UAE government departments including the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, Dubai Municipality and Emirates Transport, the opening day of the event’s two-day conference, running alongside the exhibition, included sessions focusing on “Fleet and Safety on the Road” and “Managing the Environmental Impact of Fleets.”

Both themes were of special significance for Sulayem and the ATCUAE which is the official representative in the Emirates of the FIA, the organisation representing motoring organisations worldwide and a long-time driver of initiatives on vehicle safety and environment protection.

Among the speakers on the opening day of the conference were Dr. Mohamed El Sadig, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, UAE University, Yousif Al Ali, Director of Operations, Dubai Taxi Company, Dr. Ameen El Sinawi, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, American University of Sharjah, and Ahmed Al Mulla, Manager (Lubricants), EPPCO.

Government measures such as Abu Dhabi’s Estidama, Dubai’s green building regulations set new benchmarks in interior flooring market

March 9, 2010

DOMOTEX Middle East, the only international trade fair for carpets and floor coverings in the MENA region, has announced that it expects exhibitors to showcase much wider range of “green” carpets and floor coverings as new government legislations on sustainability and environmental protection help increase the demand for eco-friendly flooring solutions. DOMOTEX revealed that the green building regulations issued in Dubai in 2007, and Abu Dhabi’s integrated design program for its urban planning called “Estidama,” which means “sustainability” in Arabic, are key measures that will impact future trends in the flooring industry.

DOMOTEX also noted that the LEED rating system for commercial interiors, developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), will help provide the blueprint for quality standards among interior products and pave the way for a significant increase in demand for green-certified flooring solutions. Scheduled for 10-12 May, 2010 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, DOMOTEX Middle East will showcase a complete range of carpets and floor coverings including hand-made and machine-made carpets; textile and resilient floor coverings; parquet and other wood floors; laminates; floors for sports arenas and sports facilities; fibres, yarns and textiles; application and floor laying techniques and equipment; machinery and technology, ceramic tiles, natural stone floors and marble floors.

Angela Schaschen, Managing Director, Deutsche Messe Dubai Branch, organizers of the exhibition said, “DOMOTEX continues to serve as a benchmark for the latest product trends and the most up-to-date developments in quality standards in the carpets and floor coverings industry. For the upcoming edition of DOMOTEX Middle East, we are seeing several exhibitors building up new product lines to cater to emerging requirements and to comply with new government regulations, particularly those related to sustainability and environmental compliance.”

“The availability of new materials and advanced technology has greatly contributed in encouraging suppliers to expand their portfolio and offer eco-friendly, recyclable carpets and floor coverings. It is now no longer just about colours and designs as manufacturers, distributors and trade buyers are beginning to appreciate other important qualities of carpets and floor coverings such as the environmental footprint of these products,” added Schaschen.

DOMOTEX Middle East targets wholesalers and retailers in the carpet and floor coverings sector as well as decision-makers from construction companies, architects, interior designers, project planners, floor layers and fitters. The event will feature a series of interactive networking activities such as Designers Corner and the Creative Flooring section.

Designers Corner will present the latest breakthroughs in design flooring as well as a select range of inspiring reference projects that will help stimulate new ideas and design concepts. Creative Flooring, facilitated by experienced professionals of The Academy of Flooring Skills (TAOFS) from the UK, has been enhanced to offer more interactive and engaging demonstration sessions focusing on the most up-to-date techniques and products.