Front 2004 inaugurated at Expo Centre Sharjah

World demand for vinyl and other plastic doors to outpace market growth for other fenestration products

The first edition of Front, the Middle East’s first and only specialized event dedicated to showcasing the latest range of doors, windows, blinds, roofs, walls and products and technology used in fabricating & maintaining them, was inaugurated by H. E. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa on Sunday, 14th March 2004 at Expo Centre Sharjah. Sponsored by UAE Contractors’ Association and Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the show will be open until 17th March 2004.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Mr. Midfa, in the presence of board members of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, directors of various government departments, members of the diplomatic corps and trade associations, heads of the participating exhibitors and delegation of international and regional businessmen.

"The construction industry," said Mr. Midfa, "is one of the most important and fast growing sectors in the GCC today. We remain committed to facilitate growth and development in this sector. Front 2004 has been conceived by us to inject new products, ideas and technology into this sector, especially in the fenestration industry."

Speaking at the inauguration on the doors and window industry’s latest trends, Mr. Fasahat Ali Khan said, "World demand for vinyl and other plastic doors, used predominantly in residential applications, will outpace market growth for other fenestration products, according to a recent study conducted by The Freedonia Group.

"Increases, according to the study, will be driven by technological advances that are enabling producers to improve the appearance and performance of their products, resulting in competitive inroads being made in a number of markets, now served predominantly by wood and metal doors.

"This trend is also evident in the GCC region," commented Mr. Khan, "where demand for such doors and windows has far outpaced demand for more traditional products."

"The residential building market, continued Mr. Khan, "dominates global and the Middle East’s window and door demand, accounting for two thirds of sales in 2002. However, global demand for windows and doors used in nonresidential buildings will climb at a faster pace through 2007, driven by growth in nonresidential construction spending in developing regions," he concluded.

Worldwide demand for windows and doors is projected to rise at 5.7 per cent per year to US$ 147 billion in 2007, according to the Freedonia Group study. Turkey, China, India, Brazil and Mexico are expected to record some of the best market gains.

The show has received a good response from a number of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers from Taiwan, Singapore, China, Turkey, Italy, Germany, Iran, India, Mozambique, Egypt, Syria and UAE, including 3M Gulf Limited, Conmix Ltd., Renner Premium Building Materials, Tamco Gulf Limited, National Paints, Middle East Insulation, Al Rahmani General Trading Co. LLC, Karam Group, Sedar, Secco Iran, Oriental Hall, Marquis Decoration, Rassana Engineering Ind. Co. LLC., Leader Aluminium & Glass Ind. LLC, Al-Arabi Aluminium & Rolling Shutters Mfg. and Al Hazza Contracting & Trading who are participating at Front 2004.

3M Gulf, the leading providers of innovative products for the construction industry will be holding a Seminar on Monday, 15th March, in conjunction with the exhibition, focusing on - "Practical and Innovative Solutions offered by 3M for the Construction Industry."

Expo Centre Sharjah has launched a dynamic and interactive website (http://www.expo-centre.ae/front) where exhibitors and visitors can enquire, pre-register online and source updated information on "Front 2004". The show will be open everyday from 14 to 17 March 2004, from 10 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm.
 

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