Britain-based specialist contractor Yoldings says it will set up a permanent base in Dubai to drive its planned expansion in the Middle East.

The company, which will be showcasing its expertise at the Big 5 show this month, has come to the UAE as the concession holder for Dryvit, the US-based exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS).

It says it offers the industry in the UAE and the region its proven track record as successful partners in the UK. The company recently concluded a successful tour of Iran.

"Dubai is not just a buoyant market, but the gateway to the region," says managing director San Bohloulzadeh. "We have ambitious plans for our Middle East operation and this is the place that we need to base ourselves to see those plans come to fruition."

With the ability to create elegant facades that allow for greater efficiency of air-conditioning and ventilation systems, the EIFS system has great potential in the UAE as it has already been proved in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, says the company.

It will showcase some of the applications of Dryvit system along with its state-of-the-art carbon fibre strengthening systems at the Big 5. The carbon fibre strengthening system - 10 times stronger than the steel equivalent - allows designers to achieve the ultimate in structural strength but without the cumbersome presence of steel propping and support, says the company.

This technology, which has potential for projects that range from commercial developments, hotels, bridges, roads and the petrochemical industry is now available in the region from Yoldings which will arrange for the whole package including design, supply and fixing, using the modern alternative to steel strengthening.

To complement these state-of-the-art products, Yoldings also offers the alternative to traditional concrete maintenance and repair - designed electro-chemical protection systems that can desalinate, realkalise and cathodically-protect concrete structures, the company says. These three disciplines - repair and protection, stronger than steel strengthening and thermally-efficient facade systems come in a single comprehensive Yoldings package, it says.

Yoldings will display its products and services at stand 6D310 in the British Pavilion at the Big 5.