Front 2004 - To highlight Andalusian and Islamic architecture

Organised by Expo Centre Sharjah, and officially sponsored by the UAE Contractors' Association, Front 2004 will be held from 14 to 17 March 2004 at Expo Centre Sharjah.

Speaking on Andalusian and Islamic architecture and its significance today, Mr. Fasahat Ali Khan, Deputy Director General of Expo Centre Sharjah said, 'Andalusian architecture and decoration flourished since more than 600 years ago, through the skills of professionals from Morocco and Spain. Such architecture and ornamentation are still one of the landmarks that attract tourists from all over the world.

'Side-by-side the dramatic construction boom in modern skyscrapers in the Middle East region, increasingly, a need is being felt by many planners and architects to reassert the region's Islamic heritage in architecture. Andalusian and Islamic ornamentation, which used to decorate mosques and palaces in the golden Andalusian era, is now making a comeback to show its excellence in this modern age.

'Front will be an ideal opportunity for these planners to meet companies who have excelled in preserving this rich heritage, by delivering products and projects executed by highly skilled artisans, who bring out the essence of Islamic architecture through the use of new materials and modern day technology,' he concluded.

One such company at the exhibition is Marquis Decoration, which deals in Andalusian & Islamic Decoration and Ornamentation. 'We have a long experience, going back to many decades, in the field of artistic ornamentation and decoration,' said Mr. Akeel Al Marayti, Manager of the company. 'Our highly skilled professionals, known for their accurate and transparent artistic work, use gypsum, inside and outside buildings and towers. This is in addition to Ottoman engravings on the walls of Mosques, and the decoration of palaces and villas, especially sitting rooms according to the Andalusian Islamic style. Through our participation at Front, we aspire to execute new projects to show our experience and excellent work, which we are proud of,' he concluded.

A similar participant is the Arabian House - Center of Heritage Animation from Egypt. 'We have been involved in the field of decor and internal architecture for more than twenty years,' said Mr. Zakaria Sayed Yacoub, Chairman of the company. 'We carry out the design and execution of all works related to internal architecture - such as doors, windows, wall coverings, accessories and entrance units. We have a separate division specialising in Arabic architecture of the different Islamic ages, including all kinds of Arabic filings (pentagonal and octagonal), the works of wall coverings, artificial ceilings based on Egyptian Style, glass interls with load or plaster, copper lighting units, and works of marble fountains.'

Another exhibitor specialising in a wide range of quality Islamic decor and architectural products is Oriental Hall Decoration, which has a large showroom network scattered though out the Middle East. 'Our very wide range of quality Islamic products range from the Omayad age to the Fatimy age to our new century,' said Eng. Emad Otbashi, representing the company.