Danube Building Materials, a leader in construction, building materials and shop fitting industries, has revealed a 25 percent growth increase in 2011, which brings them one step closer towards achieving a target of USD 1 billion in revenues by the year 2015. This is the second consecutive year Danube
is repeating such stellar performance even under stressed market conditions. (2009 v/s 2010 also we have grown 25%)

Danube embarked on a successful expansion initiative in 2011 with an investment of AED 200 million, opening four new branches in the UAE, two in India and Oman, one in Saudi Arabia and in Bahrain. The year was also marked with inauguration of the company’s first showroom in Qatar & Salalah (Oman). 2011 also saw the opening of a new Melamine factory in Saudi Arabia and a new warehousing facility in the Jebel Ali Freezone (JAFZA). Aiming to maintain continued growth, the leading company has announced the planned opening of ten more retail showrooms within the GCC.

“2011 was truly a landmark year for Danube as the move to expand has not only consolidated our regional leadership in the building materials segment but has also driven in a 25 per cent growth increase,” said Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman, Danube. “We are very confident that 2012 will bring in more growth for us as we continue to live up to our commitment to create a stronger market
presence through the opening of more showrooms and the addition of more products and services to our broad portfolio. With the continuing influx of construction projects across the whole region, we remain steadfast in our promise to provide our customers with world class building materials and home interior products.”

The leading company has also been recognized for its exemplary performance and key initiatives rendered towards regional development. Danube BUILDMART, the retail arm of Danube Building Materials, was named ‘Most Admired Retailer-Home & Office Improvement’ during the ‘Images Retail ME Awards 2011’ held at the Meydan Hotel last October. BUILDMART was recognized for its creditworthy performance last year and its move to introduce strategic innovations and initiatives that helped position
the company as a leading retail institution for the Middle East. Also, company Founder and Chairman, Rizwan Sajan, was Awarded ‘Most Admired Retail Professional of the Year’ (Images Retail ME Awards 2011), And also recognized as one of the top 25 ‘Young Asian Achievers’ in the UAE in a gala ceremony that was held recently at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Sajan was lauded for his dynamic leadership as Chairman of the Middle East region’s premier building materials and home interiors products provider and for the important contributions he has made towards the UAE’s continued growth and development.

Premium building material company Danube recently made a spectacular foray into the real estate market in Dubai with its new venture ‘Danube Properties’(www.danubeproperties.ae). At a press conference organised at the Grand Hyatt, Danube Properties announced its plan of making a gallant entry into the property market, and declared legendary Indian cricketer and Interim BCCI President Sunil Gavaskar as its brand ambassador. The company also took the majestic opportunity to unveil its first residential project ‘Dreams by Danube’, which Mr. Gavaskar inaugurated at the event.

The venture into Dubai’s booming realty market, in the form of establishing Danube Properties is the brainchild of Mr. Rizwan Sajan, Founder & Chairman, Danube Group; who after thorough research and careful planning with his team, combined with his personal entrepreneurial acumen, decided to take this step in the right direction. Speaking to distinguished guests and the media at the event, Mr. Sajan said, “We are proud of Danube’s progress over the last 20 years and it is heart-warming to see the brand celebrate yet another milestone.”

Danube, known for its supreme quality of construction material, equipment and home interior supplies, plans to successfully use its prestige and status as an industry leader to launch its first residential project. ‘Dreams by Danube’ will provide affordable yet superior-quality town houses, and the company is particularly trying to attract the mid-income section to be its buyers. “Till now we were focussing on expanding our reach and presence in GCC and the MENA regions by providing ample range of building materials and home products. From this year, we will also focus on our vertical integration, from our current business. Danube Properties, a mid-tier residential venture, will be tasked with spearheading corporate innovation and growth, with a clear responsibility to oversee urban and infrastructure planning,” Mr. Sajan said.

‘Dreams by Danube’ is a premium residential project being constructed in Al Furjan area of Dubai. Expected to be completed by 2016, the massive project will comprise of 175 attractive town houses. The project is conveniently located at a distance of 10 minutes from the Ibn Battuta mall and also near to the EXPO 2020 site. The community is expected to house Dubai’s growing urban populace, who would be drawn to the project due to the fact that the area consists of excellent infrastructure and transportation facilities that include elegant road services.

Beginning from a reasonable price of Dhs2.5 million, the town houses will be an awe-inspiring blend of contemporary architecture and innovative designs. The town houses will be offered in three and four bedroom categories and will showcase elegance and finesse with Italian marble, modular kitchen, luxurious bathrooms with classic sanitary ware and Jacuzzis; all from Danube’s acclaimed array of products. Living in the upcoming community will be ideal for those seeking peace, comfort and a healthy lifestyle amidst Dubai’s metropolitan hustle and bustle.

Speaking highly of Danube’s new venture and project, Mr. Gavaskar said, “I have been associated with Danube in the past. It gives me immense happiness and pleasure to join hands with them all over again, in a new direction.”

Danube Properties’ investment comes at a time when Dubai’s real estate market is galloping with its growth and the atmosphere is conducive for builders to pool in their money. The dark days of the financial crisis of 2008 are now over and the property market has bounced back fantastically; so much so that residential property prices leapt by as much as 35% and demand by about 30% last year, according to an independent estimate. The positive trend, market analysts and financial research houses believe, is only going to continue in the future, with banks and NBFCs doling out more loans to builders for their projects. Authorities and realtors have also learnt a hard lesson from the recession, and experts believe the government and central bank are adequately regulating the property market and safeguarding it from unwanted bubbles.

With the entry of Danube Properties as a strong player in the market, the healthy competition will not only intensify, but will also go a long way in reducing monopoly of the bigger builders and boost fair pricing and quality service. Dubai’s urban landscape is mushrooming with residential projects, which are fast getting purchased by customers. In the light of this market scenario, ‘Dreams by Danube’ will most certainly be an immensely successful project, and in turn help the company pursue its other plans. The company is however firm in remaining committed to its core business of being a premier and famed building materials supplier and has industrious expansion plans. The company maintains a prominent presence in the GCC and India and has established strong footholds in China; Danube Properties will only help the company grow leaps and bounds.

“With Danube Properties, a thorough market study and understanding of the group’s strengths along with the current opportunities in the market were behind the new strategy. We are confident that this strategy and their respect and position in the market will give Danube the flexibility to take advantage of the market opportunities, while maintaining its focus on being a leading provider of building materials and home interior products across the region,” Mr. Gavaskar stated at the function.