The demand for automatic garage and industrial doors is set to rise in 2010 owing to the large-scale industrial developments underway in the GCC, including projects worth $46 billion in the UAE and Saudi Arabia alone, said an expert.

'The ongoing trend of industrialisation has certainly influenced the surge in demand for automatic garage and industrial doors in the GCC, which will continue to pick up over the next several years,' remarked Angela Schaschen, MD of Deutsche Messe Dubai, co-organisers of R+T Middle East, the regional spinoff of leading show for roller shutters, doors, gates and sun-protection systems.

The event is being jointly organised by Deutsche Messe Dubai Branch and Messe Stuttgart in Dubai.

It will showcase a comprehensive range of products and services, including roller shutters and accessories; windows, window shutters and accessories; awnings; Venetian blinds and roller blinds; doors/gates and accessories; drive and control systems; electrical security equipment; business fittings and furnishings; and technical literature.

The show will be concurrently held with Domotex Middle East 2010, the Mena region's only dedicated carpets and floor coverings exhibition, from May 10 to 12, 2010, at the new exhibition halls of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

R+T Middle East 2010 provides the best platform for exhibitors and trade buyers to capitalise on the excellent business prospects in the region as the event presents a wide range of products and services in addition to unprecedented access to a worldwide network of business contacts and technical expertise.

'In view of the latest technological breakthroughs, developers in the region are now aggressively scouting for the most advanced doors and gates that fit their security requirements. R+T Middle East 2010 will be the perfect venue for both buyers and sellers to explore gainful opportunities in this booming sector,' Schaschen said.

'GCC countries have been heavily investing in industrial manufacturing projects, stimulated by the need to diversify their economies and reduce economic dependence on the oil and gas sector, she noted.

Numerous industrial and manufacturing zones are now being set up across the region, including the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD 1), which has already attracted $2.99 billion in investments across its diverse economic zones for base metals, building and construction products, electronics, plastics manufacturing and automotive.

Electronic roller shutters, a regular fixture in industrial and commercial facilities, will be among the key product categories expected to achieve a surge in demand across the region as they offer numerous applications, including doors for vans, garages, warehouses and even in detention facilities.

They are also being used in residential properties as they are best suited for weather protection, thermal insulation, anti-glare protection, and even sound insulation and burglary protection.

Rapid industrial development has spurred the growth in demand for roller shutters as well as industrial doors and automatic garage.

Other key development projects that have helped expand the market potential of roller shutters, doors, gates and sun-protection systems include the ICAD 2, which has secured around $1.63 billion in new projects, as well as Dubai Industrial City, which is targeting up to $2 billion in investments over the next five years, Schaschen noted.

Qatar is likewise aggressively investing in various industrial projects with the aim of attracting more than $30 billion in investment.

Other industrial projects that will influence the demand for these products include Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Economic City, which has an initial investment of $26.6 billion, and a variety of industrial projects in Bahrain, including around 15 in the aluminium sector worth a total of $142 million, she added.-TradeArabia News Service