Jebel Ali South Zone to be the world's most important logistics centre, says JAFZA official

Inaugurating Danube's House of Laminates, a one-stop shop for the world's best brands of laminates, catering to the demands of the region's booming construction industry, Mr. Al Janahi said the introduction of internationally reputed laminate brands at JAFZA will widen the choice available for interior designers and consultants throughout the GCC region.

Referring to Danube's move to open a 34,000 square metre factory cum warehouse in Jebel Ali South Zone, he said: "We treat all our companies as partners. We support companies like Danube because, with their drive and innovative spirit, they contribute to the development of JAFZA and growth of the economy."

Mr. Al Janahi said Jebel Ali South was being developed as the world's most important logistics centre, strategically located between one of the world's biggest airport (Dubai World Central) and the world's largest man-made port (Jebel Ali Port). The South Zone will be like another Sheikh Zayed Road in New Dubai.

"This will be the world's most unique project, allowing cargo to be moved from ship to aircraft in less than 20 minutes," Mr. Al Janahi said. The Jebel Ali Airport, with components like Commercial City and Logistics City, will make the area a vibrant hub of the world."

Danube's "House of Laminates" will offer the widest range of laminates from top brands, including Polyrey, Oberflex, BWVL, Royalé Touché and Metallika, serving as a one-stop shop for all laminate requirements.

Representatives of all five prestigious brands were present at the launch. Mr. Sajan assured them that Danube will help open new markets for their products across the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Rizwan Sajan, Chairman of Danube Building Materials, said: "Danube is pleased to add value to JAFZA through House of Laminates. Bringing five top laminates brands under one roof is a major feat for us. Our goal is to give every customer the entire range of finishes and colours."

"So far, architects and designers had to run from pillar to post to find the right colour and shade of laminate to execute their vision for interiors. Now House of Laminates makes their job easy and they can literally make their imagination run riot by looking at our product range," Mr. Sajan added.

Mr. Sajan said Danube was proud to have been chosen by laminate brands like Polyrey and Oberflex from France as their local partner, and these two brands are being brought to Dubai and JAFZA for the first time.

The stylish launch of House of Laminates reflected Danube's ambitious growth strategy for the region. Danube Building Materials was the first building materials company to open in Jebel Ali Free Zone in 2003. The company now has a workforce of 400 across the region and is a reputed supplier to major projects, including Burj Dubai, The Palm, Dubai Marina and other prestigious real estate projects. It boasts an inventory of 10,000 products.

More recently, Danube added 34,000 square meters in JAFZA South, with an investment of Dhs. 100 million. The new facilities include kiln dry facilities, one of the largest in the Middle East, to be followed later by a Melamine factory.