INDUSTRY LEADERS CALL FOR SMART, SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS FOR ALL AT WINDOWS DOORS & FACADES EVENT

INDUSTRY LEADERS CALL FOR SMART, SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS FOR ALL AT WINDOWS DOORS & FACADES EVENT

  • HE Saeed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA inaugurated the third edition of Windows Doors & Facades Event (WDF), running until Sept. 25 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
  • Top regional decision makers and experts discussed the future of facades at the Middle East Facades Summit, the event’s high level conference.
  • The regional building codes for fire and life safety have evolved and the UAE now leads by example, experts announced.

The largest event for windows, doors and facades in the Middle East officially opened today at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Inaugurated by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the third edition of Windows Doors & Facades (WDF) will run until September 25.

Over 150 exhibitors from 14 different countries, including Germany, India, Italy, Korea, Spain, Turkey, UAE and United Kingdom are introducing innovative and never before seen products to the region. Contemporary aesthetics paired with smart, sustainable and safe solutions being on top of the agenda, the event offers an exciting glimpse into the homes of the future.

Schuco's stand at WDF 2018
Schuco's stand at WDF 2018

On its first day, WDF gathered to its Middle East Facades Summit hundreds of high profile professionals from the private and government sectors involved in the planning and execution of some of the largest projects in the region.

Themed “Future Forward: Revolutionizing the Next Generation Facades”, the Summit unveiled the technological advancement at the core of the industry’s transformation. Andy Dean, Head of Facades at WPS, Armin Buchbinder, Head of Design at BSBG, and Douglas Sum, Associate – facades Services Group Leader at Aurecon, were some of the industry leaders who addressed the development of Smart, Safe and Sustainable façades – “The 3 S”.

Arvind Kumar, Manager of Architectural Advisory Technal Middle East, and Chairman of the Middle East Facades Summit, commented:

“I believe these are the most sought-after topics for Middle East industry stakeholders today as the buildings are getting taller, complex and cost driven.”
Arvind Kumar, Manager of Architectural Advisory Technal Middle East, chairing the Middle East Facades Summit
Arvind Kumar, Manager of Architectural Advisory Technal Middle East, chairing the Middle East Facades Summit

Buildings need to be economically viable without compromising the façade aesthetics and performance. Smart solutions are crucial to this end. “Today, our speakers shared very interesting thoughts on the challenges and the many opportunities that technology offers to make smarter, cost-effective and viable facades of 2020,” Kumar stated.

On the second “S”, the Safety issue - which was at the core of last year’s Middle East Facades Summit, he added:

“The regional building codes for fire and life safety have evolved. The UAE has led by example and have implemented the right guidelines for the industry.”

A number of keynotes and panel sessions also debated what’s next for facades in terms of Sustainability, from capturing the abundant sun in the region to boosting façade performance. With 40% of global energy being consumed by buildings, Anoop Babu, MENA Regional Manager of the Architectural Solar Association, called for greater awareness, education and use of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV).

Anoop Babu, MENA Regional Manager of ASA, speaking at Middle East Facades Summit
Anoop Babu, MENA Regional Manager of ASA, speaking at Middle East Facades Summit

More than 20 seminar sessions will further investigate advancements and best practices in the industry at the Facades Seminar Series. Running on 24-25 September, these complimentary CPD (Continuing Professional Development) accredited workshops will focus on the most pressing industry challenges offering viable solutions to increase facades’ sustainability, energy efficiency and fire safety. They will also explore latest developments in BIM, technological innovation and smart design, among others.

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Muhammed Kazi, Portfolio Director at dmg events, stated:

“Windows Doors & Facades Event proves to be a guiding light for the regional industry. Last year, the show had a strong focus on the theme of fire-safety and we are now extremely glad to witness the huge improvements made in this regard by the industry in the UAE and the broader region.
“This year, we look forward to shedding light on the immense opportunities offered by technology. An outstanding line-up of speakers is steering the future of facades in the region, at both our Summit and the Seminar Series. Moreover, some incredibly innovative and groundbreaking solutions are being presented by exhibiting companies at WDF. These will have a tremendous impact on the built environment in terms of efficiency, sustainability and improved aesthetics.”

Windows Doors & Facades Event is supported by Titanium Sponsor, Schuco; Safety Partner, UL; Supporting Institute, CIOB; Supporting Associations, QMEA, ASA, AIA Middle East, OSH Association, Solar GCC Alliance, ift ROSENHEIM, and Contractors Association; Founding Partners, Orgadata, Elumatec, and Schuco.

Organised by dmg events, Windows Doors & Facades Event takes place on 23-25 September at the Dubai World Trade Centre (Halls 6, 7 and 8) from 10 am to 7 pm daily, and co-located with FM EXPO, the region’s largest dedicated event for the facilities management industry.

The event is free to attend. To know more about WDF visit: www.wdfevent.ae

 

About The Big 5

The Big 5 is the construction event providing leading-edge innovation, knowledge, and business opportunities for industry players around the world to connect, grow, and succeed.

Taking place annually in Dubai since 1979, the event has launched hundreds of thousands of products boosting the expansion of emerging markets. It has facilitated partnerships, advanced knowledge and industry best practices, while serving as the gateway for international companies to access the Middle East, Africa and South Asia regions.

The Big 5 covers the full construction cycle; not only does it showcase products across dedicated sectors, it also runs alongside nine specialised events enabling industry professionals to source building solutions from around the globe for every stage of the construction projects: The Big 5 Heavy, Middle East Concrete, Windows, Doors & Facades Event, Gulf Glass, HVAC R Expo, The Big 5 Solar, Middle East Stone, the Urban Design & Landscape Expo, and FM Expo.

The event includes high-level summits, practical seminars, CPD-certified workshops, and The Big 5 Impact Awards to foster collaboration, support best practices, and provide effective solutions to today’s industry challenges.

The Big 5 is organised by dmg events and is free to attend for all pre-registered visitors. 

#Big5Exhibition

To know more, visit www.thebig5.ae


About dmg events

dmg events is a leading organiser of face-to-face events and a publisher of trade magazines.

We aim to keep businesses informed and connect them with relevant communities to create vibrant marketplaces and to accelerate their business through face-to-face events.

dmg events organises more than 80 events across 25 countries, attracting over 425,000 attendees and delegates every year. The company’s portfolio of products includes many industry-leading events in the energy, construction, hospitality & design, coatings and transportation sectors. ADIPEC, The Big 5, Gastech, EGYPS, The Hotel Show and INDEX are the company’s flagship events. For more information visit www.dmgevents.com.

About DMGT

DMGT manages a portfolio of companies that provide businesses and consumers with compelling information, analysis, insight, events, news and entertainment. The Group takes a long-term approach to investment and has market-leading positions in consumer media, insurance risk, property information, education technology, energy information and events & exhibitions. In total, DMGT generates revenues of around £1 billion.