Abu Dhabi becomes regional focus for building contractors and suppliers – product sustainability and quality key to meeting developers’ demands

Foundation laid for CityBuild success

Abu Dhabi becomes regional focus for building contractors and suppliers – product sustainability and quality key to meeting developers’ demands

The inaugural CityBuild Abu Dhabi trade exhibition for the building and construction industry which closed today (21 April 2010) laid the foundation for new business opportunities in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, according to organisers and participants.

“Abu Dhabi is now the focus for the construction industry as the emirate powers ahead with multi-billion dollar infrastructure development plans,” said Graham Wood, Group Director of CityBuild organisers IIR Middle East, also organisers of Cityscape Abu Dhabi. “Considering CityBuild Abu Dhabi was only launched seven months ago, the potential growth for this show is tremendous,” he added.

CityBuild headline sponsor Kludi RAK a joint venture with RAK Ceramics, used the event to showcase their product ranges. Dr Khater Massaad, CEO of RAK Ceramics, said: "As a market leader with over 7,000 products and as the world’s largest ceramics manufacturer our participation in CityBuild Abu Dhabi reaffirmed our strong presence in the Abu Dhabi market which has been a key growth destination for our products and services.”

Mapei, global leader in the production of adhesives, sealants and chemical products for buildings, participated at CityBuild Abu Dhabi under the theme 'Maximising Efficiency - Getting More for Less'. Laith Haboubi, Business Development Director, commented, “We are committed to Abu Dhabi and were involved in the Emirates Palace and Grand mosque projects. We have made some excellent contacts and received some serious sales leads, especially for our environmentally friendly cement based adhesives, which enhance the efficiency of construction projects.”

Exceed Industries, a specialised manufacturing and investment company with operations spanning the Middle East and North Africa, showcased building and construction infrastructure at its stand. Dr Ahmad Khayyat, CEO, said: “CityBuild Abu Dhabi 2010 brought together key industry leaders. The industrial sector in Abu Dhabi continues to offer numerous business opportunities and we are keen to explore new ventures and partnerships.”

Timour Asfour, Brand Manager at Reem Emirates Aluminium (REA) was surprised by the reach of the show. “We have had enquiries from Saudi Arabia and even Africa, as well as the local market. We have achieved our objectives and will definitely be back next year.”

REA is one of the leading high tech, energy-efficient, custom designed aluminium curtain wall designers and builders in the Middle East. Highlighting their commitment to environmentally friendly products, REA also scooped the Sustainable Construction Award at the CityBuild Abu Dhabi Awards.

That sentiment was echoed by Cherbal Naoum, Business Development Manager, RAK Ceramics, which was showcasing its latest range of eco-friendly Slim tiles said, “With many regional developers striving for LEED (green building) certification, product manufacturers are focusing on quality and sustainability.”

Focused on the practical, CityBuild Abu Dhabi took place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre bringing together industry suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, architects, engineers, importers and procurement decision makers. The new show was being held alongside Cityscape Abu Dhabi, the well-established event for the international real estate investment and development sector.

The founding sponsor of CityBuild Abu Dhabi was Kludi RAK. Associate/Awards Sponsor was Mapei. The Summit’s sponsors include BASF’s Construction Chemicals and KNAUF Drywall Systems division. The event was supported by the Chartered Institute of Business (CIOB), Building Smart Middle East, Donate a Brick, Emirates Environmental Group, the Middle East Drymix Mortar Association and the UAE Contractors’ Association.