Bahrain-based Khalil Abbas Trading Establishment, which this year marks its silver jubilee, looks upon the Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC) as a highly prestigious addition to its extensive list of successful projects.

The trading specialist has supplied various tiles for the project, including fully vitrified porcelain tiles from Atlas Concorde of Italy and heavy-duty ceramic tiles from Vitra of Turkey.
“Atlas Concorde tiles have now been installed in the podium, staircases, back-of-house and services areas while Vitra tiles have been fitted in the pantry areas of the BWTC,” says Samer Zoubaidi, sales manager.
“Following our initial contract which we started supplying last year, we have subsequently received three additional orders for the project – all of which have now been completed,” he adds.
Commenting on the project, managing director Khalil Abbas says: “Our main focus is on obtaining good references and ensuring client satisfaction through supplying high-quality products. The BWTC is an excellent reference project in our portfolio as it is being implemented to very high specifications, besides being an important landmark. The consultant Atkins and contractor Nass Murray & Roberts have been very supportive – it would be a pleasure to be associated with
The BWTC is one of the many high-profile projects that the trading specialist has been involved with. Some of its other striking projects are the Tala Residential Development, Euro Towers, an IT and Science College, University of Bahrain, Porsche and Audi and Volkswagen car showrooms, 30 luxurious villas at Jasra, 22 residential villas, Middle East Plaza, Suwarah Plaza and other multi-storey buildings.
Khalil Abbas initially started operations as a small-scale trader in 1981 and has now become an exclusive trading establishment in Bahrain targeting multi-million-dollar projects. It represents manufacturers of high-quality products that including porcelain tiles, sanitary ware, acrylic products, mixers, accessories, kitchen units and appliances. Some of its major principals include Graniti Fiandre, Ceramiche Brennero and Atlas Concorde, all from Italy, and Vitra from Turkey.
Among the more recent additions to its portfolio is Stosa, an Italian manufacturer of state-of-the-art modular kitchen units.
“Our business has been improving considerably over the past five years when we introduced most of our leading brands on the market. Hence, to accommodate as well as further our growth in the market, we have constructed a purpose-built showroom in Sitra in early 2005,” says Zoubaidi.
“Setting up this showroom, in fact, has always been my dream as we represent the Rolexes in the ceramic tiles and sanitary ware industry. The showroom is among the best of its kind in Bahrain and has helped boost our business considerably over the past couple of years,” comments Abbas.
The state-of-the-art 1,200 sq m showroom and head office in Sitra features attractive displays of some of the latest products from the company’s extensive range and has dedicated areas for the various brands it represents.
The company also has a design department equipped to provide innovative 2D and 3D presentations for tile layouts, proposing layout patterns for sanitary ware, tiles and kitchen units, thus enabling its customers to visualise their project.
Abbas has maintained his quality focus throughout the years and follows the maxim “whatever you do, do it well – otherwise, don’t do it”.
Bahrain is among the more quality-conscious countries in the region, with consultants and clients increasing demanding high quality, continues Abbas. This factor has ensured its success in the local market, he adds.
Over the past year, Khalil Abbas has witnessed a 30 per cent growth in business, which Zoubaidi attributes to its renowned principals and the quality of their products, the company’s long-standing reputation in the market and the innovative displays at its showroom.
“We expect business to be even better next year, given the increased construction activity in Bahrain,” adds Abbas.
Looking at the future, Khalil Abbas intends to further diversify its product range, in line with its goal of introducing the latest products and revolutionising the bathroom and kitchen markets in Bahrain. It is also looking at prospects for boosting its showroom facilities in the country.