Dutch Firm's Ceiling Panels Can Enhance MENA Rail Stations

Many MENA Governments Choose European Firms for Railways and Metros, with GCC Constructing More Than USD 100 Billion in Rail Projects

Dubai, UAE: Dutch manufacturer Hunter Douglas has produced innovative aluminium ceiling panels that can enhance MENA's rail stations, as many governments choose European firms to construct railways and metros, according to an industry expert.

Mega-events in MENA are driving investment in public transport and boosting urban development, according to a report from the International Association of Public Transport.

GCC rail projects are worth more than USD 100 billion, led by the 2177 km GCC Railway, per a report by Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association and consultants A.T. Kearney.

Santhosh Vallil, Sales Manager, Hunter Douglas - Middle East Fze, said: “MENA governments across are fast-tracking railways and metros, and many are choosing European expertise for design and construction. Stations serve as gateways to transit networks, and architects and engineers need to design stations that provide the best possible experience – helping travellers find their bearings, enhancing lighting and reducing noise, and being easy to maintain.”

Many of the region's rail projects are being won by consortia that include European firms, and are applying their expertise from working in Europe. One major European rail project is the expansion of the Amsterdam Metro, where Dutch firms Benthem Crouwel Architects and Verwol Projectafbouw are installing Hunter Douglas' XL aluminium ceiling panels in Amsterdam's Central Station and the under-construction North-South Line.

Hunter Douglas' standard-sized panels can be made as large as 2.5 by 1.25 metres, and their double-layer of aluminium separated by a honeycomb filling enables the panels to remain rigid and not sag like single-layer aluminium panels, according to Hunter Douglas engineers.

The ceiling panels also absorb sound to reduce noise of trains, reflect light to enhance station lighting and energy costs, and meet strict European fire safety standards. These features could be especially usefulas metros are expanding or under construction in the UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and Algeria.

Erwin Verlegh, Head of Calculation and Purchasing, Verwolf Projectafbouw, said: “We opted for Hunter Douglas because of their standard panels that can be made to size on location. Using a single standard measurement means we will not need any uniquely sized and more expensive panels. Installing these panels takes far less time and effort, and can be unlocked with a single click. And if panels get damaged, it will be much easier to order additional ones. Aluminium is also a good reflector of light and warmth, saving energy on station lighting.”

European rail safety standards are already in place across the GCC, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and GCC Railway adopting the European Train Control System of signalling to direct train traffic, according to the GPCA and A.T. Kearney report.