The multibillion dollar Palm project in Dubai is likely to be a major boost for the local stainless-steel industry.

The planned development, known as Palm, takes its name from the two islands that are to be created in the shape of a palm tree off the coast of Dubai. The development will see the creation of up to 50 hotels on each island, as well as apartments, residential villas and entertainment areas, all of which are likely to make major use of stainless-steel architectural products.

Palm Island will be built in the shape of 17 huge fronds, surrounded by 12 km of protective barrier reefs, extending five kilometres into the sea.

The palm tree shaped resort island will be built on land reclaimed from the sea, and will include 120 km of sandy beaches.

The island resort will be visible from the moon. According to the Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda), this new development will lead to great opportunities for South African manufacturers of stainless-steel architectural products such as balustrades, internal products, hand railings, windows and doors, as well as other products produced locally.

As a follow-up to the growing interest in stainless-steel architectural products displayed at the Rooms on View exhibition held earlier this year, Sassda’s architectural sector members are being encouraged to pool their resources to demonstrate their quality and capacity to the world markets.

The association hopes that the Stainless Steel Incorporated image will open up opportunities in projects such as the multibillion-dollar Palm project in Dubai.

Sassda has established a local initiative in order to work closely with South African contractors that are expected to be involved in Dubai, and are currently looking at and tendering for individual projects which fall under Palm.

The association has established a working group that will make contact with the local contractors and others with a view to securing work for its members – all of whom are encouraged to involve themselves in this project to the benefit of the local stainless-steel industry.

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