Names such as Unimix and Elkem Microsilica do not need an introduction, says Ahmad Aftab, marketing manager of Arabian Trading Establishment (ATE), which is associated with both – the former as a supplier and the latter as the authorised distributor.

“We are proud to be associated with one of the most reputed companies of the region, Unimix, which has successfully completed major projects,” Aftab says. “Unimix is currently helping to build the one of the most prestigious projects in the world – the Burj Dubai, which we hope will further boost its reputation in the local and the regional market.”
ATE, based in Ras Al Khaimah, is a leading player in the growing construction industry of the region. Highlighting on the company’s performance this year, Aftab says: “Compared to last year, business has improved and future growth is expected, considering the booming construction industry in Dubai and the UAE. We have also boosted the number of products on our building materials list, such as fly ash, fibre, bentonite, calcium carbonate, pigments, quartz, and marble.
Elaborating on the main features of the key product ATE supplies, Aftab says: “Elkem Microsilica has been considered as the most important development in concrete technology in recent years and has given civil engineers another tool in the design and construction of structures for the next century. This product is particularly suitable for the harsh and humid desert environment of the UAE, where the soil contains very high levels of sulphate and chloride.
“Its application is found in every conceivable structure – from skyscrapers, bridge construction, marine and parking structures, water supply and sewage facilities, oil and gas sectors, airports, roads, railways to seaports.”
ATE is currently supplying Elkem Microsilica to several major projects including the Burj Dubai, Palm Island, the Dubai International Airport expansion and Dubai Festival City. The company imports mainly to cater for the requirements of the local market.
Elkem is the world’s largest manufacturer and supplier of microsilica (silifume), says Ahmad Ibrahim, general manager of Elkem Materials Middle East and South Africa, “We are cent per cent satisfied with the superb performance of ATE.”
“The end users need to be kept aware of the qualities of microsilica and we make every effort to promote the benefits of this important product, especially in this harsh environment,” he adds.
“Arabian Trading Establishment ensures that its clients are provided a comprehensive service – backed by a team of professional engineers, a number of warehouses and a sufficient stock of microsilica to meet the clients’ requirements, to gain the total satisfaction of concrete producers, our main customers,” Aftab concludes.