Construction growth in the UAE has been calculated as having a CAGR of 9.5 per cent from 2012-2016, with 2013 estimates indicating that the industry is worth approximately $41 billion, said an industry expert.

“As the construction industry enters another growth period, the demand for quality building materials is also increasing,” added Mohamed El Shamy, director of Arteco Ceramics, one of the leading UAE-based suppliers of interior products and building materials including ceramics, mosaics and crystal quartz, among others.

“Another advantage for the growth of crystal quartz in the market is that the use of these materials is diversifying as entities and individuals look to enhance interior décor through wall applications and furniture in addition to the more traditional use of these materials in flooring.”

While wall applications for tiles is considered to be the most rapidly growing segment calculated as having a CAGR of 8.0 per cent from 2012-2018, crystal quartz is most often used for wall applications and counter tops due to the ease of cleaning and its resistance to scratching and staining, said El Shamy.

Probably the most interesting aspect of crystal quartz is its ability to reflect light, he noted.

“This growing trend for crystal quartz is also due to its ability to enhance wall décor as it can also be back lit allowing for even greater interior design effects,” added El Shamy.

“There are actually many ways that crystal quartz can be installed to be a central feature in the home or office; back-lighting creates a very nice effect and we are currently noticing this trend in the UAE market. It is also gaining ground as furniture in its use for table tops, counter tops, and even sofas.”

Crystal quartz tiles come in many different shades and colours including botanical greens, earthy browns, blue, and reflective white.  Arteco’s crystal quartz is sourced from Brazil, which is one of the main resources of this natural stone material, concluded El Shamy. – TradeArabia News Service