‘BUILDMART’ in RAK sets record footfall of 20,000 visitors within last 3 months

‘BUILDMART’ in RAK sets record footfall of 20,000 visitors within last 3 months

Inaugural retail complex poised to double current sales figures within next 6 months

June 21, 2009

Danube Building Materials, the leader in construction, building materials and shop fitting industries, has announced that the first ‘BUILDMART’ in its growing chain of retail complexes has set record footfall of 20,000 visitors only three months into its operation. Located in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, the AED 75 million state-of-the-art retail complex also registered high sales within the same period and has boosted the overall sales of Danube by 100 per cent. Given the excellent response, Danube officials revealed that ‘BUILDMART’ is looking to double current sales figures in six months’ time.

Situated on a 150,000 sq. ft. plot across the Cove Rotana Resort along Zaid Road, ‘BUILDMART’ incorporates a 20,000 sq. feet showroom, a 40,000 sq. ft. warehouse, and a huge open area for additional shops and parking. A total of 24 sections comprise the shopping complex, including dedicated spaces for chandeliers, Venetian blinds, light fittings, kitchens, bathroom, tiles and shower rooms, among others. Building specialists are also available within the premises to help shoppers on product-related questions and suggestions on the best choice for their requirements.

“We are proud to be reporting these excellent accomplishments merely three months since we inaugurated our very first ‘BUILDMART’ in Ras Al Khaimah, which is proof that we have successfully penetrated this market,” said Rizwan Sajan, Chairman, Danube Building Materials. “The strategic steps we have taken to address the increased demand for top quality building materials across the UAE backs up our high growth expectations for ‘BUILDMART’ in RAK for the year ahead.”

Chandeliers, wall papers, ceramic tiles, luxury sanitary ware and Venetian blinds are some of the most in-demand products within ‘BUILDMART’, with a large number of individual home owners in Dubai, locals from the Northern Emirates and Western expatriates shopping for home fixtures and interiors. Property owners are also expressing great enthusiasm for fit outs and home design solutions. In addition to homeowners, interior designers and consultants have also appreciated the extensive selection of 15,000 high quality products, which are installed in an actual home set-up within the facility for more convenient shopping.

“This is only the beginning of a strategic expansion plan we have set for the ‘BUILDMART’ brand, and we are confident that our similar facilities within other markets such as in Bahrain, which was inaugurated earlier this year and in KSA, which will be inaugurated later this month, as well as the ‘BUILDMART Boutique’ branches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, will be met with similar reception from customers,” concluded Sajan.

About Danube Building Materials FZCO
Established in 1993, Danube Building Materials FZCO provides more than 15,000 products in stock and in-house value added services in all of its 14 showrooms across the UAE. The company operates from its head offices – a 285,000 square foot facility in Jafza north and a 365,000 square feet base in Jafza south, which houses its logistics centre, kiln drying facility, factory and warehouses. From a small trading firm, Danube has grown into one of the largest building materials company in the region, with eight branches in the UAE, two in Oman, one in Bahrain, two in China and one in India. Danube has a team of 1000 people working from strategic locations in across the Emirates, including Jebel Ali, Deira and Abu Dhabi. The company has been and is currently involved in major projects across the UAE, Oman and Bahrain, including Emirates Hills, the Burj Al Arab, Shangri-La Hotel, Grand Hyatt, Motor City, Burj Dubai, Dubai Airport Terminal 3, Yas Island, Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, and Al Raha Beach Hotel, among others.

Danube launches ‘BUILDMART Boutique’ in Dubai and Abu Dhabi collectively worth AED 11 million

Danube launches ‘BUILDMART Boutique’ in Dubai and Abu Dhabi collectively worth AED 11 million

Unveiling of two new facilities follows success of first ‘BUILDMART’ retail complex in Ras Al Khaimah

May 20, 2009

Danube Building Materials FZCO, the leading player in the construction, interior decoration and shop fitting industry, has launched two modern retail complexes called ‘BUILDMART Boutique’ in Dubai (Salahuddin Road, Deira) and in Abu Dhabi (near Al Falah Plaza), which are collectively valued at AED 11 million. This follows the success of the first two ‘BUILDMART’ complexes, which was first launched in Ras Al Khaimah, and subsequently, in Bahrain. Similar to their predecessors, the new, conveniently located showrooms are designed to cater to interior designers, consultants and homeowners across the Emirates.

The showrooms, which span 7,500 sq. ft. each, offer more than 15,000 different products ranging from chandeliers, light fittings, wallpapers, venetian blinds, luxury bathroom fittings, shower rooms, massage bathtubs, parquet flooring, ceramic/Gres porcelain wall and flooring tiles, and architectural hardware. Both incorporate a ‘Design Centre’ where design professionals give out expert advice to customers on the best products, design materials and other design-related inquiries. Furthermore, the facilities are set to benefit all contractors, joineries and architects by offering a complete selection of home interiors and building materials under one roof and design options that cater to varying budgets.

“As a follow through to the success of our pioneering initiative that gave birth to our retail complexes in Ras Al Khaimah and Bahrain, the inauguration of these new retail showrooms stands as a testament to our aims to address the needs of customers from all sectors of the construction industry,” said Rizwan Sajan, Chairman, Danube. “We are very optimistic that these new facilities will be attractive to all market players, and we are looking forward to launching more showrooms in new different locations in the coming months.”


The property sector is passing through a correction period as triggered by the global crisis, and is thereby witnessing decline in property prices, according to recent reports. This has been viewed as extremely encouraging to all the individual homeowners and real estate investors, who are always looking for partners to provide them with top-quality materials and professional advice. As a market leader in the UAE, Danube plans to take on a major role in helping customers build their ideal homes through its new showrooms in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

”We have high expectations for the success of our ‘BUILDMART Boutique’ facilities, especially given the strong indications of recovery being observed in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. While a significant percentage of our efforts and resources are being poured into these two emirates, we are also currently exploring Saudi Arabia and other strategic locations across the region as a hub for our new facilities. We are also constantly looking for new ways to further enhance our product range and services,” concluded Sajan.

Danube optimistic about positive effects of price correction for regional construction industry

Building materials prices in Middle East witness 15 per cent rise in April 2009

Danube optimistic about positive effects of price correction for regional construction industry

May 10, 2009

The prices of various building materials in the Middle East have risen by as much as 15 per cent in April 2009 as compared to the first quarter, with the price of steel witnessing the steepest hike from USD 430 to USD 500 per tonne. In line with this, Danube Building Materials, the leader in construction, building materials and shop fitting industries, has revealed its optimism about the positive effects of the major correction phase that is sweeping the entire Middle East construction market, which is an indication that the industry is reshaping to take on a stronger stance towards recovery. Company officials also disclosed that they have observed increased buying activity within the building materials sector in April.

The price hike, which is expected to encourage a more upbeat trade atmosphere in the market, is the result of the increase in building material imports following a slowdown in regional orders from October 2008 to February 2009 due to overstocking. According to the latest price indexes maintained by Danube, products whose prices jumped since last month include medium density fibreboards (MDFs), which currently wholesale at USD 220 per cu. m. from USD 200 in March; and white wood, which rose by 10 per cent to USD 210 per cu. m. from USD 190. In addition, freight costs have also increased from USD 300 to USD 650 for a 20-feet container in March, while a 40-feet container now costs USD 800 from previous rates of USD 550.

“The current correction in the real estate and property sectors is driving the shift in the prices of construction materials, which will eventually lead to a healthier market with more stable growth opportunities in the future,” said Rizwan Sajan, Chairman, Danube Building Materials. “As the market leader, we have identified that today’s market scenario gives us an exceptional opportunity to supply our top-quality products to support the continuous construction of major projects and developments across the region. We are also anticipating further increases until prices reach a stable level.”

Danube’s price index also revealed that average rates for the most basic building materials are as follows: steel props at AED 45 per piece, cement at AED 16 per bag, clear float glass (6mm) at AED 23 per sq. m., and aluminum profiles at AED 19 per kilogram. A survey of the prices of imported wood products have also reflected a dip, with scaffolding planks sold at an average of AED 55 per piece, while Red Meranti from West Malaysia selling at AED 2,750 per tonne, European Whitewood at AED 925 per cu. m., Russian Beech wood at AED 2,750 per cu. m. and KINGPLUS Film Faced plywood at AED 125 per sheet.

“Our recent foray into steel, aluminum and glass manufacturing puts us in a strategic position to maximise the movement in market prices of these products and thereby drive our growth amidst the challenges of the global economic crisis. Through our plans to further expand our operations and product offerings, we are hoping to do our part in pushing the growth of both the construction and real estate sectors,” concluded Sajan.

Danube operates from its head offices in Dubai - a 285,000 square foot facility in Jafza north and 365,000 square foot area in Jafza south. The company offers top-quality products including medium density fibreboards (MDFs), plywood boards, timber, veneers, laminates, cladding, steel, kitchen and sanitary wares, glass, hardware, electrical, aluminum, doors, floorings, adhesives, ceilings, paints, edge bondings, fire solutions, and high quality construction tools.

Over 111,000 residential units to be delivered in Dubai and Abu Dhabi by 2011

Over 111,000 residential units to be delivered in Dubai and Abu Dhabi by 2011

Danube aims to leverage growing demand by homeowners and interior design specialists for top quality building materials

February 10, 2009

Over 111,000 residential units are expected to be delivered within Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with approximately 80,000 units to be completed in the most populous city in the UAE, and another 31,000 units to rise in the capital within the next two years, according to recent industry reports. With expectations of the same trend hitting the other emirates, including Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah, Danube Building Materials, the leader in construction, building materials and shop fitting industries, is anticipating an increased demand from homeowners as well as interior design specialists for top quality building materials. In line with this, the company is gearing up for the launch of a first-of-its-kind, customer-friendly retail complex in RAK, which will feature its products installed in an actual home set-up to allow for more convenient shopping.

Danube has long since identified the potential in establishing strong ties with its customers from each of the emirates by providing personalised services and high quality products to address their specific needs. The new RAK-based retail complex will be staffed with highly trained personnel, who can be of great assistance to end-users and even interior designers operating within the local markets. The retail complex has been designed to offer customers the widest range of products in addition to providing them with access to professional design advice.

”Spreading our facilities and showrooms across strategic locations in the Emirates is in line with our aims to leverage the high demand for building materials that match the stringent requirements of today’s clients,” said Rizwan Sajan, Chairman, Danube Building Materials. “We are fully committed to catering to the needs of a broad spectrum of customers within the UAE, including developers, contractors, end-users and homeowners, not only in terms of supplying top-quality construction materials but also by providing professional advice to help them choose the ideal products to use in their projects. We are looking forward to launching additional facilities in the country, as well as in other strategic locations within the region.”

Danube offers a wide range of building materials that facilitate various design options and cater to every budget, including kitchens, bathrooms, tiles, shower rooms, jacuzzis, flooring in ceramic and wood, ceilings, doors, wallpapers, designed glasses, marble, granite, wall panelling, different finishes of laminates, veneers, mouldings, paints and luxury paints. All of its products have passed environmental standards and are safe to use, in line with the implementation of green building codes within the majority of the emirates.

“As a leader in the construction material market, our strategy has always involved helping our customers acquire our products conveniently, which is why we are keen on setting up our facilities that can easily cater to their construction material needs. The current economic crisis had undoubtedly created tremendous obstacles for the construction sector, but we believe that with ingenuity and creativity, we will be able to ride this financial storm and regain the strength of the market. At present, we are focused on the start-up of our Ras Al Khaimah retail complex, and we are confident that this new endeavour will match the success we have seen across the UAE,” concluded Sajan.

Danube has recently inaugurated two new state-of-the-art facilities in Ajman and Al Quoz, wherein the company invested a total of AED 55 million as part of its regional expansion plans to address the demand for top-quality materials in the region. The AED 30 million facility in Ajman has a total area of 58,000 square feet and carries Danube’s most popular products, including wood, steel, aluminium, glass, and flooring. Furthermore, the manufacturer has made a decision to invest in a new factory in Al Quoz, which spans a total of 30,000 square feet.