Architectural hardware specification in the UAE is about to change, claims Union Architectural Hardware of the UK, which has been opening up a string of state-of-the-art design centres across the Middle East in recent months.

In conjunction with its strategic partner for the UAE – Al Moajil – Union has now opened its latest Union Design Centre (UDC) in Dubai. Situated on the Zabeel Road, the $1.5 million, 4,700 sq ft development is a commitment to the UAE project market to provide the latest information and advice on architectural hardware, says Iain Mackenzie, Union export director.
Al Moajil, the sole agent and distributor for Union since 2001, has a purpose-built distribution centre in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafz) area. In addition, the firm has employed a team of five specification consultants to manage the development of Union. “With the opening of the Dubai UDC, these people will be located there, closer to the decision-makers and influencers,” he adds.
“The commitment we have received from Al Moajil has been tremendous,” says Mackenzie. “It was only in June this year we opened discussions on the need for a centrally-based UDC in Dubai. And six months later we have a showcase facility open to all architects, consultants, developers, contractors and clients.”
“This UDC gives us the opportunity to showcase the latest in architectural products to the UAE. In addition, it also lets us train and educate people to ensure they are specifying the right products for the right application,” he adds.
Regional manager Robert Vos, who has been working in the region for more than 15 years and has been with the company for over two years, is equally excited about the opening of the UDC.
“I have worked with contractors and developers in the UAE for many years and have always wished there was a central point where we could meet to discuss a project’s requirements. This UDC is perfect for that and I invite all to attend the official opening, which we shall hold in early 2005,” he says.
At the Big 5 exhibition, specifiers and influencers will be able to visit the Union exhibition stand to see its products and to discuss how the facilities at the Dubai UDC will help them.
Over the last two years, Union Architectural Hardware has been building a wide team of specialist distributors throughout the Middle East. Known collectively as the Union Design Centre Network, the team now comprises of 12 members servicing Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq, Sri Lanka and Egypt.
Each is a dedicated specialist in architectural hardware and supply door furniture, door closers, locks and keying systems to a variety of commercial, hospitality and residential projects, either as a first-fit specification or as an upgrade or development extension.
“Each UDC has a team of dedicated specification consultants whose role it is to discuss every element of the architectural hardware specification. All have been trained either at the Union headquarters in England or at their own premises and all are there to assist in the project specification process,” he concludes.