Dubai, November 23, 2008: The most comprehensive range of eco-friendly building solutions in the construction industry were today unveiled in Dubai by MAPEI, the global construction products specialist.

"MAPEI products have the ability to provide the construction industry with fast track, high performance solutions that not only meet and exceed most local and international standards but also comply with the most stringent of health & environmental requirements such as LEED and GEV", said Laith Haboubi, Business Development Manager for local MAPEI subsidiary, Innovative Building Solutions.

Milan-headquarted MAPEI, has 71 years of experience in the manufacture of sealants, adhesives and chemical products and is now the largest such supplier worldwide.

"The Big Five offers an ideal opportunity to showcase our range of solutions to the regions construction industry. They push back the traditional construction boundaries, and are ideal for many of the projects in the region. In addition to hundreds of prestigious projects around the world such as the Guggenheim Museums in New York & Venice, La Scala Opera House in Milan and the Petronas Towers in KL, many local projects have utilised Mapei's technology such as Atlantis Hotel, The Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Airport terminals 1 & 3, and currently Burj Dubai and Dubai Metro."

MAPEI products were also key components in many of the high performance sports facilities used at the Beijing Games, said Laith Haboubi, Business Development Manager for IBS Innovative Building Solutions by MAPEI. He added: "We have a long track record of more than 35 years involvement with the Olympics dating back to the Munich Games in 1972.

"Our development and testing is the best in the world, which is why our products are first choice whether it is a signature construction project such as a sports stadium or top quality residential and commercial developments."

MAPEI has been the sector leader in the environment initiative for the past 25 years and used its stand at Big 5 2008 to showcase a selection of its 100 plus "green" products. In a special address to a trade audience at the show Mr. Haboubi said: "MAPEI leads the industry with the largest selection of ecologically friendly and LEED compliant products available in the market.

"At MAPEI, concern for the environmental impact of our product is more than a trend; it is a fundamental part of our philosophy, corporate commitment and industrial responsibility." 

One of the company's key current projects is developing its ECO line of solvent-free products in aqueous dispersion. This product range offers extremely low emission in volatile organic compounds used in the installation of floors and covering materials.

These and other product lines will be produced for the regional market from the company's own UAE factory which will become fully operational from next year.

-Ends-

About MAPEI 
Founded in 1937 in Milan, Mapei is the world's largest manufacturer of adhesives and complimentary products for the installation of all types of floor and wall coverings. The company is also specialized in other chemical products for building: from waterproofers to special mortars, from admixtures for concrete to products for the restoration of historical buildings. Over the past 70 years Mapei has initiated an internationalisation strategy to include manufacturing facilities all around the world ensuring local needs for all customers and reducing transportation costs.

With a forecasted turnover of Euro 1.7 Bn in 2008 and 6,000 employees, the group consists of 53 associated companies including 53 production facilities worldwide across 5 continents and 24 countries

In addition, Mapei invests significantly in research and development in order to both produce the most environmentally-friendly, technically advanced materials that meet with the most stringent international safety standards and regulations. Professional on-site technical assistance and specification consultation is available for construction professionals worldwide.

For information contact:
Marwa G. El-Moniery
Marketing Communications Co-ordinator
Tel: 056 6033361
m.moniery@ibs-mapei.ae
www.ibs-mapei.ae
www.mapei.com

© Press Release 2008