Gulf Wall Panel market to cross Dhs20bn in 2013

Wall paneling is largely used in commercial and hospitality construction and rarely used in residential and industrial construction. "Research with interior designers indicates that less than 5 per cent of the walls are paneled in commercial construction with a high preference for wood finish," says the GRMC report.

Of this the UAE accounts for more than $1.82bn while Saudi Arabia - the biggest market in the region - represents about $2.01bn.

"Saudi Arabia and the UAE together account for more than 60% of the GCC wall paneling market," the report says.

RMD, the newly-commissioned Dhs350m manufacturing plant of composite polypropylene boards launched by JRD International, a diversified conglomerate in the UAE, has started to roll out more than 300 types of environment-friendly decorative wall panels that will change the way people design their interiors and some aspects of the exteriors.

The new game-changing wall panel products will soon replace traditional wooden and plywood wall panels and help reduce deforestation and save the environment. These wall panels are easy to install and very light thus saving on transportation, labour and installation costs.

The manufacturing plant, located in Jebel Ali Free Zone, is now equipped to produce more than 300 designs of RMD wall panels - one of the division's most exquisite products.

RMD Board's diversified product range includes wall coverings which are available in classy marble, granite and natural stone textures, false ceilings and floorings. All these products are made without the use of wood, are recyclable, termite resistant and fire retardant. These features alone assure that their shelf life is far greater than any other substitute available in the market.

"RMD Board combines functionality and aesthetics without compromising on either one. Its features are relevant especially to the requirements of UAE and GCC markets making them the ideal construction and interior decoration choice for the savvy buyers," said Anupam Lunavat, Managing Director of JRD International.

The manufacturing plant has undertaken eco-friendly practices and procedures whereby material refuse does not go to waste and all material carvings are re-used in the making new boards that have been well received by the sub-contractors, interior fit-out suppliers and consumers.

"We were pleasantly overwhelmed by the response we received from the customers so far," remarked Lunavat at a Launch Celebration held on the 15th of January at Meydan in Dubai. Over 250 luminaries from the global construction and interior decoration industry were present for the launch.