Tent-like structures grace the pool and the kids’ play areas of  Madinat Jumeirah, enhancing the highly-distinctive Arabian experience that this prestigious resort conveys.

These structures are the creation of Fiobco, a leading Dubai-based designer, manufacturer and installer of tensile membrane structures.
Given its decade-long experience in the field, the project brief according to architect’s drawings was simple. However, the complexity of the project, which has tested the ability of contractors handling various assignments also tested the skills of Fiobco which took on the task of designing and supplying a number of tensile membrane structures that were required at various locations to create the ambiance that the designers had in mind.
“These structures, which use the latest technology, needed character, had to fulfil certain functional requirements and more specifically, needed to blend in with the cultural theme of Madinat Jumeirah,” says Nevil King, marketing manager.
 Fiobco’s scope of work included:
• Palace Beach Restaurant – a total of five individual pods, all air-conditioned, fabricated with a printed PVC fabric;
• The pool pavilion – comprising three individual pods, also a printed PVC fabric;
• Pool kiosks – two separate kiosks built using HDPE (high-density polyethylene knitted fabric); and
• Structures over the kids play area – two individual pods, one made of printed PVC fabric and the other of HDPE-knitted fabric over the kid’s pool.
Included in Fiobco’s scope of works was the detailed steel support structures to obtain the required shapes of the above structures.
Elaborating on the contract, King says: “The project was unique for Fiobco as the PVC fabric used was printed with an intricate pattern – a task not easily achieved. It required the use of state-of-the-art computer patterning software that took into account the elongation of the fabric once tensioned. The patterns were printed onto the fabric in wedge shapes. These shapes were then cut out and meticulously welded together to form a bigger pattern.
“Only once the fabrics were installed and fully tensioned could the intricate patterning be fully appreciated. In the final stage, these structures were trimmed with all the necessary accessories to achieve the desired appearance and effect.”
Besides Madinat Jumeirah, Fiobco is known for projects like the Al Maha Desert Resort and the Al Ain Celebration Halls and has been involved in hundreds of other projects, ranging from basic car-parks to intricate PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) glass-coated structures. The company, which is well-versed with the requirements of the local market, provides turnkey solutions for all types of shade structures. What makes Fiobco distinctive is that it is totally self-sufficient, doing all work in-house – including designing and fabrication using HDPE knitted cloth, PVC, Tenara (a unique polymer that withstands UV sunlight, aggressive cleaning chemicals and extreme temperature conditions) as well as PTFE fabrics.
The company handles all projects from the fabrication of raw materials to the delivery and installation of the structures on site. It has more than 150 employees including specialised fabricators and tradesmen as well as a highly competent design team.
Besides producing around 50,000 sq m of fabric per annum, covering varying types of structures, the company also fabricates stainless steel turnbuckles and swages. It uses specialised computer software and state-of-the-art technology to provide a high-quality service to its clientele.
As part of its expansion, Fiobco is in the process of building a new 5,000 sq m factory which will enable it to increase its production capacity to cater to the needs of is ever-growing client base. In addition, Fiobco has recently expanded its area of operations to include projects in Kuwait, Qatar and Oman.
“Our goal is to service and deliver high-quality projects to our clients, taking into account aesthetics as well as practicality,” King concludes.