20 per cent annual growth forecasted over the next five years

Dubai, UAE, December 14, 2006: Demand for decorative interior emulsion paints has been growing in excess of 15 per cent annually and is now estimated at AED 120 million, said Ashish Chaturvedy, Marketing and Business Development Manager, Al Gurg Leigh's Paints, manufacturers of Dulux Paints in the UAE. 

"With the growing number of luxury villas and apartments, coupled with the recent boom in freehold property market, new home owners are insisting on premium finishes to decorate newly acquired residences and offices. In the next five years, the market for interior emulsion paints will continue to grow at a steady rate of 20 per cent with more developers from around the globe announcing mega projects in this region, " he added.

Around 30 per cent of the total paint consumed is from the interior coatings segment, said Chaturvedy at an ICI Dulux seminar held in Dubai recently. At the seminar, ICI Dulux launched the first-of-its-kind 'Royal Touch' range of premium quality luxury emulsion paints in the Middle East.

In addition to its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, its unique formulation allows easy flowing, leveling and hides minor flaws such as hairline cracks and bumps. Royal Touch can be used on suitably prepared masonry plaster, concrete, rendered block works, gypsum board, wood etc.

"The luxurious and smooth finish can uplift the interiors of any home. Its flame retardant and washable surfaces make it ideal for opulent hotels and restaurants, luxury villas and apartments yearning a make-over," said Philip Mathew, General Manager, Al Gurg Leigh Paints (AGLP) - manufacturers and distributors of ICI Dulux Paints in the UAE.

Mathew added: "Globally, Royal Touch has set a benchmark for a safe and environment friendly luxury emulsion paint. Not only do they protect the users health but they also avoid unnecessary toxic emissions to the environment."  Added features of Royal Touch include crack-bridging ability of up to 1.2mm and stain-resistance making the paint highly durable.

Dulux Royal Touch is already proving to be a popular choice among an increasing number of property owners globally and Mathew is confident that the range will emulate its international success in the UAE.

The 'ICI Dulux Colour and Coatings seminar' held at Al Murooj Rotana Hotel in Dubai gathered over 200 UAE based Construction Managers, Project Directors and Clients. The seminar was followed by an entertaining colour-themed fashion show presented by United Colors of Benetton.

Every year the ICI Paints' international team of colour experts carry out research based on colour preferences of customer focus groups and design trends from the world of fashion to identify the colour of the year. At the seminar, Pink was announced as the popular Colour of the year 2007, from the ICI Paints Master Colour Palette.

Available in numerous colours and shades to complement varying tastes and lifestyles, the unlimited choice is made possible by Dulux' computerised multi-colour tinting system.

AGLP manufactures protective coatings under license from Leigh's Paints, UK. High-quality Dulux decorative paints are manufactured under license from ICI Paints, UK. 

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Al Gurg Leigh's Paints (AGLP) was established in Sharjah in 1988 to manufacture a wide range of industrial and decorative coatings. The protective coatings for the industrial, marine and petrochemical industry, including coatings for fire protection, are manufactured under licence from Leigh's Paints, UK. High quality Dulux decorative paints are manufactured under licence from ICI Paints, UK.

Al Gurg Leigh's Paints operates a regional technical laboratory equipped with the latest R&D and analysis equipment. Al Gurg Leigh's Paints is a member of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group of Companies. 

The Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group was founded by H.E Easa Saleh Al Gurg CBE in 1960. Today the group is associated with over 20 brands such as British American Tobacco, Unilever, Dunlop, Siemens, United Colors of Benetton, and Burmah Castrol.

© Press Release 2006