The gulf: a unique market with unique demands

摘要

The UAE stands at a geographical crossroads between Africa, Europe, and South Asia. And as the wind blows over the country, so do the different influences of each of these regions. The market for flexible polyurethane foam for comfort applications is driven by divergent forces. For example, at the big-buying international-standard and super-luxurious hotels, owners demand their beds and furniture can only be made locally by suppliers from other regions. But at the other end of the spectrum, there are local box-foam operators making low-tech foams. A number of other foamers also are interested in importing into the mid-range markets. And then there are foreign foamers based in north and east Africa who are interested in sourcing raw materials and, possibly machinery, in the region.