Gulf Glass opened yesterday in Dubai, which has been described as a 'growing' region for the glass manufacturing industry.

Attended by exhibitors and visitors from the MENA region as well as Europe, China, the USA and Asia, the three day event primarily caters for the flat and solar glass industries.

Held in Dubai's World Trade Centre, exhibitors seemed optimistic about the potential business that they can secure in the region.

Glass International is attending the event and has spoken to a number of exhibitors.

"It's an important, growing region", said Mr Giorgio Zanforlin of Italy's Stara Glass. "We have to be here".

The region is convenient for businesses with customers in India, Ethiopia, Europe and of course the UAE itself, which is home to float manufacturers such as Kaveh Glass and Middle East Glass, as well as container manufacturers such as Saver Glass and Frigoglass.

Prof. He Wen, of China Triumph International Engineering Co. agreed that the Middle East is a significant market, noting that despite the 'unstable' reputation of surrounding countries such as Syria, the UAE remains a popular and successful place to do business.

This was reflected in the different pavilions at the show, with Germany, Italy, and China all represented in force.