Exhibitors highlighting the latest cutting-edge products.
Strong debut for Middle East Stone 2015
DUBAI, May 20, 2015
The debut edition of Middle East Stone, the only event dedicated to the stone, marble and ceramics industry in the region, being held in Dubai, UAE, has received an overwhelming response from the region's leading industry players, said the organiser.
The event concludes tomorrow (May 21) at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with thousands of visitors having already attended on the first two days of the event.
More than 230 exhibitors from 22 countries are showcasing over 5,500 products – the largest selection of marble, stone and ceramics ever assembled in the region – along with industry seminars, workshops and panel discussions.
The impetus for establishing Middle East Stone as a dedicated event is the sector’s strong growth in recent years, with the GCC marble, stone and ceramics market expanding 5.8 per cent this year to $5.4 billion as developers increase their usage of man’s oldest building material, said dmg Events Middle East.
“Make no mistake, this is now a huge market – and it’s only going to get bigger. The region needed a dedicated event for producers and manufacturers of marble, stone and ceramics to meet with the architects, designers and contractors who form their principal audience and Middle East Stone has stepped up to the plate and delivered,” said Michel Bruisten, the export manager, Brickburgers.
“This event provides a centralised location for the major players in the industry to meet, examine industry trends, establish best practices and drive future innovation,” he noted.
Exhibitors have been highlighting the latest cutting-edge products in the sector. Al Marge marble and granite factory has been showcasing its Adamas 3D stone covering at Middle East Stone.
Inspired by the most luxurious material of all - diamond - the multiple facets of the Adamas surface create light and shadow effects that interact with users.
“By being able to physically demonstrate Adamas to prospective buyers, we can showcase the qualities of this stunning new product and how we have started with the valorisaton of stone to create a covering that can be used to design endless types of wall,” said Mirko Sala Tenna, the designer for MMA Projects, working with Al Marge.
“Middle East Stone has been the perfect platform for us to bring this concept to life and meet the right audience for our needs,” Tenna added.
With designers increasingly excited about the potential of stone to enhance their projects, a key element of Middle East Stone has been the two-day Designers’ Forum, which concludes today with a focus on exterior design.
Panel discussions will highlight exciting design developments from around the region, the design and installation of high-performance natural stone facades, and best practice in preventing and treating stone defects.
Middle East Stone’s packed seminar programme concludes tomorrow with workshops on how to trade in the UAE, masterclasses in stone veneer and stone care, panel discussion on innovative surface design, and seminars on natural stone machining and how to use stone in contemporary architecture.
The show is running alongside other dmg events such as Index, workspace at Index and Middle East Covering.-TradeArabia News Service