Over 100 officials from across the world, including representatives from glass companies, architects, consultants, glass suppliers and processors, discussed the latest glass processing techniques, the international standards on glass specifications, fire glazing and regulations in the UAE, at a key forum held in Dubai, UAE.

The annual Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) Mena Technical Forum was organised by Dubai Investments, a leading, diversified investment company listed on the Dubai Financial Market, and its glass subsidiary Emirates Glass, one of the largest processors of flat architectural glass in the region.

Recognised by governments and organisations internationally, the GGF is known as the voice of the industry. It plays a crucial role in setting standards through membership consultation which, evolve into building regulations, construction product regulations, European Committee for Standardisation standards, and associated rules that govern the use of architectural glass in buildings.

The one-day forum, held at Dubai Investments headquarters in Dubai Investments Park, witnessed specialists and experts from leading glass companies and related industries giving presentations on the use of sealants, installation of laminated glass and structural interlayers.

The international panel of speakers at the event included Nigel Rees, the chief executive of GGF, who made the introductory keynote address; Richard Kells, GGF technical officer, who spoke on the glass designs and strength aspects; John Reeves, the chairman of GGF Mena and senior technical manager of Emirates Glass, who provided an overview of security glass products and standards.

The annual industry event also saw Iskandar Bendaly, the operations director of Dow Corning Europe, presenting a detailed information on insulating glass unit edge sealants and compatibilities; and Jean Philippe Kayl from Intertek speaking about fire-rated glazing.

Abdulaziz bin Yagub Al Serkal, the general manager of Dubai Investments, said: "The glass sector is going through a growth phase. As a result, innovation, new product development and knowledge of emerging standards - particularly in technical aspects - are important for the industry to meet the increasing demand for higher performance in architectural glass."

The global flat glass industry is forecast to surge at a combined annual growth rate of 5.5 per cent over the next five years, he stated citing industry data.

The major drivers for this market are growth in the construction market, rising automotive production and sales and technological advancements, he noted.

"The glass companies under Dubai Investments portfolio are committed to offering the industry’s best practices across their complete product range. The forum is a great platform to focus on the advancement and latest technical innovation in the sector," he added.-TradeArabia News Service