Al Aqili to strengthen green credentials

Al Aqili Furnishings (AAF) will continue to focus on geographical diversification this year, while placing even greater emphasis on sustainability.

“Previous years opened doors into alternative markets and it gave us the opportunity to call attention to our green products and to join the global green movement. We are looking forward to continuing it this year and raising the momentum of the campaign, as well as elevating the stature of our company and brands,” said Shahriar Khodjasteh, group marketing director, AAF.

The UAE-headquartered group made its first foray into new markets four years ago, with the launch of operations in Kuwait. This was followed by the launch of outlets and offices in Qatar and Bahrain last year.

After a series of successes in 2009, AAF entered the New Year feeling confident, Khodjasteh noted. “We have been an industry pioneer since inception and have a deep and instinctive understanding of regional market forces and behaviour.

“Last year had its share of challenges but by intensifying our focus on contracts and projects, in addition to retail and wholesale, we were able to maintain a good sales base and come out of the year a stronger brand,” he commented.

The group secured several high-profile flooring projects in 2009, the most prominent being the Burj Khalifa executive offices.

The project was subcontracted by interior contractor Fino International and utilised 20,000ft² of Shaw Contract Group’s sustainable ‘cradle-to-cradle’ carpet tiles. AAF was responsible for four commercial floors, including the office of the Emaar chairman, and the ballroom of the Armani Hotel.

Other notable wins included the Majlis and offices of the Yas Marina Circuit, a project worth AED4 million, the AED2.8 million Royal Amwaj project on Palm Jumeirah, and the ministry of presidential affairs and ministry of foreign affairs in Abu Dhabi. The company also secured the Al Bustan mixed-use development project.

Meanwhile, the contracts division at AAF has just completed the full fit-out of the head office of Al Aqili Distribution in Dubai. It has also been responsible for the Al Masa Real Estate Group headquarters at Jumeirah Lake Towers, and has won AED60 million-worth of ongoing international projects, primarily based in Qatar and Nigeria.

AAF also unveiled its Neocasa concept in 2009. A collaborative platform for industry leaders, Neocasa is the first of its kind in the GCC and is a result of the group’s desire to offer a canvas for locally established interior designers. It provides home-grown talent with the opportunity to showcase their skills by creating comprehensively furnished living spaces.