Danube Building Materials, one of the leading construction, building materials and shop fitting industries in the region, was among the ‘UAE’s Top 20 Performers for 2008’ honoured at a ceremony in Dubai.

Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, director general, Dubai Department of Information, presented the awards at a colourful function last night (March 31) in the Grand Hyatt Dubai.

The list included industry leaders within the UAE who were identified by ‘Newsweek Arabic Edition’ to have successfully upheld their corporate objectives while making significant contribution to the overall progress of the UAE.

Rizwan Sajan, chairman of Danube Building Materials received the award, which recognises the company’s impressive performance and aggressive expansion last year.

Among Danube’s most notable achievements in 2008 was its establishment of seven new facilities in the UAE and across the region.

The company’s newest investments comprise a manufacturing facility in China, a production plant in Ajman, a ceiling manufacturing hub in Sharjah, and a steel factory in Oman.

In addition, Danube has also made sizeable investments within the major sub-sectors of the construction industry, including the UAE steel aluminum and glass markets, and the Bahraini steel market.

Furthermore, the company has launched two 'Buildmart' retail complexes in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE and in Bahrain. All these have contributed to Danube’s Dh1.1 billion sales revenues, which represent an impressive 70 per cent growth in its annual earnings for 2008.

“To be recognised by a reputed organisation such as Newsweek is truly a tremendous accomplishment, and we at Danube are very proud of this prestigious acknowledgment,” said Rizwan Sajan.

As part of the Newsweek Arabic Edition’s ‘Award of Excellence Program’, the news publication’s editorial team reviewed organisations from the government, semi-government and private sectors engaged in business, utilities and services in the UAE.

Danube made a strong impression among the judges as one of the companies with the most achievements and contributions to the construction industry and the UAE’s economy.

Providing top quality building materials to private developers, government projects and individual customers, Danube has been part of the UAE’s rise both as nation and as a regional real estate powerhouse.-TradeArabia News Service