Heading for The United Arab Emirates
Discover the seventh stop on our 360-year world tour!
For this new stage of our anniversary world tour, Saint-Gobain invites you to the United Arab Emirates.
Glass skyscrapers, bold infrastructure, XXL projects... From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, the country is undergoing rapid urban expansion, driven by increasingly demanding architecture that must meet the constraints of an extreme climate. For the construction sector, providing suitable, sustainable, and pleasant living spaces is a real challenge.
In a region plagued by extreme heat, how can we improve comfort for everyone ?
Our ambassador François Gemenne takes you to meet our teams and customers to discover how Saint-Gobain is helping to reconcile well-being, performance, and sustainability in the heart of the desert.
IMPROVING COMFORT FOR EVERYONE IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES IN 360 SECONDS
In a region where temperatures regularly reach 45°C, comfort comes in many forms: thermal, acoustic, and visual.
How can we design buildings that are sustainable, attractive, and comfortable ?
Our local teams share their stories and innovative solutions for creating spaces that go beyond simple well-being by combining comfort, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
TO GO FURTHER
3 questions for Emmanuel Jacquot, CEO of Saint-Gobain for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries
Immersion in the Weber factory in Abu Dhabi, a pioneer in innovative solutions
THROUGH THE LENS OF FRANÇOIS GEMENNE
After his visit to the United Arab Emirates, the climate expert shares his observations on this new stage.
Sustainable Comfort
Sustainable construction in the United Arab Emirates — mirage or reality?
That’s what I set out to explore in a country full of paradoxes: a major producer of fossil fuels, yet highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, especially extreme heat. While its economy remains heavily reliant on oil, it was under the UAE’s presidency that the COP officially committed to a gradual phase-out of fossil fuels back in 2023.
In France, the summer season was once again marked by multiple heatwaves, fueling a media debate around air conditioning: an environmental disaster for some, a necessity in the face of extreme heat for others. Compared to its European neighbors, France is under-equipped when it comes to cooling systems, while ever-rising global temperatures are driving demand sharply upward: there are around 2 billion air conditioners installed worldwide, and that number could triple by 2050. In such a context, how can we ensure summer thermal comfort for all, without air conditioning causing a surge in greenhouse gas emissions?
The answer may lie in the UAE, a country long accustomed to extreme temperatures. There, aircon is seamlessly integrated into the architecture of new buildings, designed to provide optimal thermal comfort while minimizing environmental impact. As cooling systems increasingly becomes essential due to rising heat, the future lies in buildings designed from the outset to meet climate challenges.
ABU DHABI LIKE YOU'VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE!
A symbol of modernity and boldness, Emirati architecture is home to some of the world's most remarkable buildings.
Among them, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, inaugurated in 2017, stands out for its unique architecture: a 180-meter diameter double dome with geometric patterns, pierced by the rays of the sun, forming a “rain of light”.
Throughout the museum, Saint-Gobain solutions support both the structure and the visitor experience.
- As the museum is surrounded by water and in a very humid area, Weber supplied a comprehensive system of waterproofing solutions to ensure optimal protection and durability.
- Inside, Gyproc plasterboards and metal frames were used to divide the space into smaller compartments and create a souk-like atmosphere, shaping the visitor’s path.
- All along the museum, Saint-Gobain Glass solutions enhance both light and visual comfort, while Vetrotech fire-rated and anti-intrusion glazing ensures the safety of the visitors and the artworks.
The museum, which combines aesthetics, durability and performance, was designed by architect Jean Nouvel, winner of the Pritzker Prize in 2008.
SAINT-GOBAIN IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
IN 3 FACTS
2009
The date the Group established its presence in the United Arab Emirates.
More than 360
employees in the country.
Integrated solutions
Gyproc (plasterboard), Kimmco-Isover (insulation), PCR (ceramic solutions), Saint-Gobain Glass (glazing), Weber (mortars and construction chemicals)...