In addition, another 300 projects worth $143 billion are in the design, planning or bidding stages. Qatar has a burgeoning construction sector (bolstered by its hosting of the 2022 World Cup). The Middle East is witnessing an ever-increasing demand for foat glass and processed, specialty glass products, employing new and innovative technologies and pushing architectural boundaries, not only in design trends, but also in environmental protection.
Some of the top international players in the glass industry converged on Abu Dhabi to explore the future of their business, when Gulf Glass 2011, the 4th international glass exhibition for the entire Middle East, opened its doors at ADNEC (Abu Dhabi) on March 7, 2011.
“Abu Dhabi in particular has a very powerful and stable economy, and Dubai remains an excellent market with many prestigious projects being undertaken” said Steve Rice, Direc of GGF MENA – the regional arm for the UK-based Glass and Glazing Federation. “As such, this Gulf Glass 2011 exhibition represents a great opportunity for companies to learn about the region as visitors, or to present their products and services to some very serious buyers and specifers.”
Glass consumption is also rising rapidly in the container glass sector of the market as confdence returns to the region. Aggressive expansion and investment in glass packaging facilities are clear indications that the container industry in the Middle East and Maghreb regions is one of the most globally strategic, with pharmaceuticals and food packaging markets in particular set to enjoy double digit growth.
“With all this exciting investment, the glass industry is ripe for investment and expansion” says Derek Burston, Event Manager for Gulf Glass 2011. “It is doubtless the reason that we have seen such an international spread of exhibitors signing up to the Abu Dhabi event, and we expect visitors to be drawn far and wide from the entire MENA region” he adds. “Gulf Glass 2011 exemplifes our long-term commitment to the region, and the furthering of the glass community”.
Gulf Glass 2011 is not only the biggest glass show in the region, but is also the only truly pan-Middle Eastern show dedicated to the entire glass industr y. Gulf Glass 2011 is where the global glass industry meets, bringing together high profle, truly international exhibitors from all areas of the business, with over 20 countries represented. The exhibition boasts an exhibitor list that includes we over 100 of the world’s industry leaders. And with up to 3,000 international visitors expected this year, Gulf Glass is inarguably the best attended glass show in the entire region.
More information, free visitor admission tickets, all the latest news on this 'must visit' event can be found on the show's dedicated website www.glassinthegulf.com
GCC glass industry rebounds with major projects in pipeline
The UAE’s glass industry is bracing for an unprecedented growth as the country’s construction industry prepares to witness a compounded annual growth rate of around 20% from 2010 to 2013, with approximately 1,300 projects worth over $418 billion currently under construction across the UAE.