Gypsum ceiling works covering a total area of 78,000 sq m, including an array of decorative features such as GRG (glass reinforced gypsum) domes, friezes, wall-mounted screens, light coves, capitals and vaulted ceilings, adorn the new Grand Hyatt Hotel in Dubai.

These works are the creation of Dubai-based Prefab Building Industries Company (PBI), a specialist sub-contractor for all kinds of false ceilings, composite aluminium cladding and GRG, GRC (glass reinforced cement) and GRP (glass reinforced plastics) works.

The atrium's ceiling, decorated with GRC domes and light coves, extends over an area of 6,000 sq m and is believed to be the largest of its kind in the Middle East. The ballroom's ceiling covers an area of 2,000 sq m. Other ceiling works executed by the company at the Grand Hyatt includes 420 guest rooms, corridors and lift lobbies, six restaurants, entertainment centre, health centre, pool, Junior and Grand ballrooms, ballroom lobbies, pre-function areas and meeting rooms.

PBI executed the false ceiling work for Ssangyong Engineering and Construction Company, the main contractor on the project. In addition, PBI also undertook the whole interior design package for all public areas at the hotel for Arabtec.

A dedicated workforce of 250 workers and 20 engineers and supervisors toiled round the clock towards the successful completion of this project, according to senior management officials. Completing this prestigious project, with all its challenges, was very fulfilling - an achievement that would not have been possible without the support and excellent efforts of all the concerned PBI staff," an official says. "We are very proud to be associated with this development."

The company was established in 1985 with a small team of 20 specialised craftsmen and has grown into a dynamic multi-activity unit with a workforce of nearly 600 personnel.

"This tremendous growth of PBI reflects the commitment and motto to provide the construction industry with customised special quality products and services," he says. "Our highly motivated and experienced team of managers, designers, engineers, staff and craftsmen are competent and capable of handling the various critical and specific needs of our clients."

PBI is equipped with state-of-the-art process and production units, setting high quality standards in the construction industry with its stringent quality control methods. Part of ANC Group of Companies, PBI is an ISO9001 and 9002 -certified company and an accredited member of GRCA International.

PBI also has a trading division engaged in sales and marketing of its products and other related imported products throughout the Gulf region. "As we have our own manufacturing facilities for gypsum tiles, metal profiles in addition to trading of import materials like British plaster boards and suspension systems, we are in a position to provide the complete range of products to our customers in ceiling and partitions," says the official.

The impressive portfolio of completed prestigious projects of PBI includes Dubai Media City, Dubai International Airport, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (Dafza) office building and Sharjah Mega Mall, Shaikh Khalifa Medical Centre (SKMC), Abu Dhabi. It is also involved with current ongoing projects of Dubai Marina, Emirates Aviation Training centre, Higher College of Technology, The Lakes, Economic Building - Sharjah and 140 villas in Al Ain.