Partitions have an aesthetic role to play, as they don't merely allocate space effectively, but also keep an office aesthetically elegant, by keeping the clutter of wiring out of sight and out of mind, says Al Nafea Trading Establishment.

''Quality finishes for offices are in high demand today,'' says engineer Khaled Othman, deputy sales manager of the Riyadh-based firm. ''Wiring for telephones, electricity points, computers and networks need to be kept out of sight, to give an office a look of prestige and create a conducive working environment.''

''Al Nafea,'' he continues, ''has a variety of demountable systems: steel-covered partitions, vinyl-covered gypsum board partitions, state-of-the-art vinyl-covered wood partitions and glass partitions which can be sandblasted and tempered.''

''These partitions offer an economic way to design an office, while saving time and money. They are elegant, with an excellent finish, strong and durable. And they offer the designer the capability of recessing all wiring in an office to avoid unsightly clutter.''

Major projects with which Al Nafea was involved recently include the Home Mart on Prince Abdullah Road in Riyadh, Saudi Consolidated Electricity Company's (Sceco) Qassim power plant, the Arab Satellite Organisation (Arabsat) office, and the NCCI Training Centre in the Diplomatic Quarter.

Al Nafea recently launched a British raised flooring system along with Burmatex carpet tiles. The flooring is made from strong rubber to British standards. No screws are needed to hold the system as it is hooked into place with clips. It also has runways for easy access from any point in a room.

Al Nafea is willing to offer a free demonstration of the system to consultants and contractors. ''Its price is also very competitive compared to other raised floor systems,'' Othman adds.