RAK Ceramics, claimed to be the world’s largest ceramic tiles and sanitary ware manufacturing company, has been part of some of the most celebrated hospitality projects in the UAE through its diverse selection of world-class tiling solutions.

“The company has been commissioned to deliver various ceramic tile and gres porcellanato tile models to prestigious projects in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, helping maintain its status as a premier choice among high-profile clients in the country,” says Dr Khater Massaad, CEO of RAK Ceramics.

Among the company’s most recent projects are the Al Raha Beach development in Abu Dhabi where 170,000 sq m of its tiles were used; the Dusit Hotel in Abu Dhabi; and the 305-luxury-villa Al Barari Development in Dubai where RAK Ceramics supplied 212,000 sq m of tiles.

The company has also supplied tiles for various retail stores in Dubai Mall and Mirdiff City Centre.

The Travertino model (below), developed for the Atlantis project, and Galena.

The Dubai Mall contract covered the Magrudy book store; Kidzania, the fantasy entertainment area for children; and Miri Creation, the designer rug manufacturer. Tiles used for this project included the special gres porcellanato tile model known as Salt & Pepper and ‘Gems’. The Mirdiff City Centre order included the Home Centre and Home Décor stores, and required tiles that offered excellent slip resistance, minimal maintenance and high durability, while also offering aesthetic value to complement the décor of the stores, according to Dr Massaad.

RAK Ceramics’ impressive project portfolio also includes the Atlantis Hotel, Dubai's landmark five-star hospitality destination. Using the Roto-colour porcelain tile technology, the latest in tile colour printing, RAK Ceramics developed a ceramic tile model known as Travertino for the Atlantis project, featuring tiles with distinct patterns while maintaining consistency in overall style. RAK Ceramics, which worked alongside project contractor Archop Architectural Engineering, manufactured a total of 150,000 sq m of the Travertino tiles, with each tile measuring 45 by 45 cm.

The iconic Burj Al Arab hotel was another important RAK Ceramics client. Like the Atlantis Hotel, Burj Al Arab also commissioned Travertino ceramic tiles for the project.

The tiles feature a striking red colour body and measure 30 by 30 cm each. A total of 10,000 sq m of Travertino ceramic tiles were produced for the Burj Al Arab.

Dr Massaad comments: “It is a distinct honour for RAK Ceramics to be part of the most prestigious construction projects in the UAE.

“This distinction reaffirms the company's status as a leading provider of world-class tiling solutions and a top choice of high-profile clients in the country. RAK Ceramics will continue to invest to strengthen our technological expertise and boost our manpower expertise, which will be crucial in maintaining our leading position in the local and global markets.”
Another noteworthy project in RAK Ceramics’ portfolio is the Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi, and required the special Salt & Pepper.

This model features full body tiles produced using a dosing system, a process that combines various colour pigments to create a salt and pepper effect on the body of the tile, which can then be available in both polished and unpolished finishes, he explains.

RAK Ceramics has also worked in tandem with contractor Khatib & Alami to install 25,000 sq m of tiles on the Fairmont hotel in Dubai.

RAK Rajasthan model ... royal ambiance.

The project required a gres porcellanato tile model known as Concerto, which were produced in two sizes, 40 by 40 cm and 30 by 60 cm.

It was also commissioned to produce Concerto tiles for a Dubai Grand Hyatt project, which required the company to deliver a total of 200,000 sq m of 40 by 40 cm tiles.

“The Salt & Pepper and the Concerto models used in Dubai Mall, Emirates Palace, Grand Hyatt and Fairmont projects are porcelain tiles that feature a low water absorption rate of 0.4 per cent,” explains Dr Massaad.

“The tiles also have remarkably high durability with a breaking strength of 1,400 N (glazed),” he adds.

RAK Ceramics is a $1 billion global conglomerate in the ceramic industry that exports its products to more than 150 countries, targeting architects, project developers and retail customers.

It has also been recently conferred the SuperBrand 2010 Award and continues to be a global pioneer in the world of ceramics, he concludes.