Front 2004 - A new platform for the region's fenestration industry

Organised by Expo Centre Sharjah, and officially sponsored by the UAE Contractors' Association, the exhibition will showcase the latest range of products and technology used in fabricating & maintaining doors, windows, blinds, roofs, walls, etc of various types of buildings.

The show has received good response from a number of the world's leading manufacturers and suppliers, including 3M Gulf Limited, Conmix Ltd., Renner Premium Building Materials, Tamco Gulf Limited, National Paints, Middle East Insulation, Al Rahmani General Trading Co. LLC, Karam Group, Sedar, Secco Iran, Oriental Hall, Marquis Decoration, Rassana Engineering Ind. Co. LLC., Leader Aluminium & Glass Ind. LLC, Al-Arabi Aluminium & Rolling Shutters Mfg., Mehler Haku GmbH, Life Plastic For Doors & Windows U-PVC. They will all be participating at the exhibition.

The show's participation includes companies from Taiwan, Singapore, China, Turkey, Italy, Germany, Iran, India, Syria and UAE. Also, the UAE Contractors' Association will be organising a pavilion representing the association and its members.

"The construction boom in the UAE and the GCC has in turn led to an increase in demand for fenestration and allied products such as doors, windows, glass, blinds, etc.," said Mr. Fasahat Ali Khan, Deputy Director General of Expo Centre Sharjah. "Front has been conceived by us to serve this increased demand," he said. Estimated imports of these products reached US $ 102 million in 2002 as compared to US $ 96 million in 2001.

"The GCC region," continued Mr. Khan "has little to no indigenous production, especially in hi-tech fenestration products, with products being imported either as complete units, or as parts and components to be assembled here. The current trend in the GCC region is towards high quality, automated buildings, with builders and contractors on the perpetual lookout to incorporate the latest advances and high-tech products in their buildings. Front 2004 will act as a convenient and comprehensive sourcing ground for the regional importers, contractors, architects, consultants and other professionals, enabling them to view and compare the latest products and developments from international suppliers."

Expo Centre Sharjah has launched a dynamic and interactive website where exhibitors and visitors can enquire, pre-register online and source updated information on 'Front 2004'.

The show will be open everyday from 14 to 17 March 2004, from 10 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm.