Coatings World - December 2011

In neighbouring Abu Dhabi, the largest and by the far the biggest oil and gas producer of the emirates in the UAE, the residential housing supply is poised to increase by 35 percent of the current stock in 2011- 13, according to local real estate analysts.

In Dubai, the UAE’s other large emirate, the existing housing stock is set to rise by around 20 percent as the emirate, which is the Gulf’s commercial and financial center, recovers from the collapse of a property boom around two years ago.

However the decorative paints market as a whole in the UAE has been growing relatively slowly this year because of a decline in the number of public sector and commercial construction projects. Throughout the Gulf big construction schemes, like hospitals, schools, universities, sports complexes, as well as offices, large hotels and other commercial buildings, make up a key part of the decorative paints sector, accounting for as much as 20-40 percent of total sales.

With its big rise in public expenditure, Saudi Arabia’s large projects market is flourishing with big sums being channelled into the building of healthcare and educational facilities. Qatar is preparing to host the 2022 World Cup, soccer’s premier tournament, which with the Olympic Game’s is the world’s largest sporting event. Already the planning and design of five stadiums has started, with coating companies vying to be included in the list of ‘specifiers’ or qualified suppliers for the schemes.

“The high number of large projects is what makes the Middle East decorative paints market different from most other regional markets, particularly Europe where they are becoming comparatively uncommon,” said Baite.

Bidding for coatings contracts in public sector and commercial schemes requires paints companies to form dedicated teams. These include networks of staff and agents around the world because of the high number of big projects in the Gulf, which are designed by international architects and built by international building contractors.

“You have to work long-term on these projects which means being in contact with architects and contractors long before the projects are announced,” said Aaberg.

Companies like Jotun and Hempel are
well positioned to win the paints con-
tracts for mega projects in the Gulf be-
cause they also have strong protective
coatings businesses.

T
H
E Patented blending/dispersing blade design makes radical improvement over old saw tooth designs

POLY STAINLESS Stirrers Or Complete Units For: PAINTS URETHANE FOAMS ADHESIVES SLURRIES INKS GROUTS CEMENTS ETC. . . .

Most efficient and aggressive blending/dispersing blade available. Provides proper combination of pumping action and shear/ dispersion essential for fast consistent results. Built in pumping action cuts processing time. Longer life due to heavier gauge construction. Less heat due to shorter required running time. Excellent for high or low speed and high or low viscosity. Supplied with hubs or mounting holes required to retrofit and upgrade present equipment. Pumping blades without teeth are available and are excellent for gentle blending and agitation.