Emirates Glass LLC: Leading supplier of energy efficient architectural glass in the Middle East and across the world

The application of sputter glass coating in the glass industry is largely to manufacture high thermal performance coated glass. Additionally, the industry uses magnetron sputtering principle to sputter multi-layer film on glass in order to fulfill the functions of energy conservation, light regulation, and ornamentation.

The traditional building glass has been increasingly replaced by energy-saving glass in recent years due to increased energy savings, reduced emissions, and enhanced quality of life. This market demand is what is causing nearly all big glass processing companies to expand their MSVD coating lines.

We introduce you to Emirates Glass LLC, a subsidiary of Dubai Investments PJSC, which is one of the major processors of flat architectural glass in the Middle East. Emirates Glass was founded in 1997 in Dubai’s Al Quoz Industrial Area and today leads the Gulf in sputter-coated energy-saving glass production and distribution.

The following conversation is with the Executive President, Rizwanulla Khan, who explains about Emirates Glass’ journey and successes over the years.

How would you describe your professional journey so far? Tell us about a few roadblocks and learning lessons that helped you grow through the years.

My journey as the Executive President of Emirates Glass has been one of continuous growth and development. It was a tremendous honor to be entrusted with such a pivotal role, and I was excited to lead the company to new heights. With my deep knowledge of the glass processing industry, I was able to successfully lead the company’s overall strategy and operations. It was a challenging role, but also very rewarding.

Through hard work and dedication, I have been able to climb the ranks within the company and establish myself as a respected leader in the industry. My passion for excellence and commitment to delivering quality solutions to our clients has been instrumental in driving the company’s success.

However, success does not come without its challenges. Over the years, I have encountered various challenges that have helped me gain valuable insights and lessons that have shaped my approach to leadership. I’ve faced my fair share of roadblocks. The most significant roadblocks that I have encountered have been related to navigating the dynamic and constantly evolving business landscape.

Q. Can you introduce us to your services? What are their key features?

Our product range includes more than 400 different and in-house developed performance coatings, from hard and solar control coatings to low-emissivity single and double silver coatings across the entire color spectrum to meet even the most challenging requirements we receive from consultants and architects in terms of performance and aesthetics. Emirates Glass also provides a wide array of double or triple glazed insulating glass units, safety, bullet-resistant and laminated glass, non-rectangular and bent elements – or a combination of any of the above. Some more special products include glazing units with captured or suspended elements for aesthetic or performance enhancing applications such as honeycomb diffusers, metal and synthetic meshes or mashrabiya inserts to reflect our local heritage and ability to integrate traditional elements in modern and contemporary architecture.

Emirates Glass has also provided ARMAX, our own anti-reflective coated glass to the Emaar SkyView. The walls, roof and floor of the SkyWalk, a cantilever walkway that extends out of one of the towers more than 50 floors above ground, are made entirely out of our glass.  

Emirates Glass also offers SmartLite - the state-of-the-art switchable glass, which changes its state in just about 400 milliseconds at the flick of a switch and turns from a clear to an opaque glass panel to create on-demand privacy while also allowing for plenty of natural light whenever needed.

ArmourLite - Bullet Resistant glass is also offered by Emirates Glass which is a multi-layered laminated glass designed for ballistic resistance. As such, bullet resistant glass combinations are much thicker than the conventional architectural glass panels which are designed primarily as IG units for achieving the required thermal performance.

Emirates Glass has also partnered with the international technology group SCHOTT to provide high-performance glazing that combines fire-resistance and design freedom in a unique way. With rich color nuances and an abundance of patterns, the new offering opens attractive possibilities for fire-resistant glazing of facades, partition walls, skylights, rooflights, doors and windows that meet international safety requirements.

Q. How is the industry you serve currently evolving? And where does Emirates Glass stand at the moment?

The glass industry in the UAE has evolved leaps and bounds in the last few decades – from usage of uncoated monolithic glass products in windows to the use of high-performance double and triple glazed insulated glass products. The technological developments in the glass industry have considerably helped to reduce cooling loads in buildings increasing efficiency. Furthermore, international standards for glass processing have also been reviewed and modified to address glass quality and safety factors that were not addressed in the old days. Local governing bodies and regulatory authorities too have implemented guidelines and regulations (Green Building Codes) that are focused on sustainability and increased efficiency. High-performance glasses are those glasses that have the functional ability to reduce heat ingress and at the same time, they allow optimum lighting inside the building, resulting in the reduction of energy usage in a building by reducing cooling and lighting load.

The construction market wants high selectivity glass products and solutions – a high visible light to solar heat gain ratio. But in this region, due to the high intensity of natural sunlight, façade consultants opt for moderate light transmission while aiming to achieve the lowest possible solar heat gain. In the end it’s up to the architect and specific application (facades, skylights, atriums, etc.). Emirates Glass LLC is surely able to provide the product best suited for the regional market. UAE has also proven to be one of the architectural hot spots as this market is not shy of experimenting with new designs and technologies. This certainly helps us as glass processors as we continue to develop products that meet the ever-increasing demands of the market.

Major challenge is that UAE is an open market that local companies can import from anywhere around the world without any import tax or protection for the local manufacturing. For this Emirates Glass LLC has to be very product and price competitive and keep developing in order to stay abreast of the competition.

Q. What’s the one thing you want Emirates Glass to be known for?

Emirates Glass strives to be known as a company that provides high-quality glass products and services, delivered with exceptional customer service. Our focus is on building a reputation for reliability, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability. By consistently delivering on these values, Emirates Glass differentiates itself from the competitors and establish as a trusted and respected brand in the glass industry.

Additionally, our team of skilled experts enhances Emirates Glass’s reputation in the industry, as customers are more likely to trust and choose a company that has highly knowledgeable and experienced professionals in their team.

Meet the leading light

Rizwanulla Khan, a name synonymous to the Glass industry in Middle East, is the Executive President of Emirates Glass LLC and Saudi American Glass.

He joined the Company on September 20, 2005, as Senior Vice President – Manufacturing & Operations at lass LLC. Since assuming the Executive President position GLASS LLC subsidiaries on December 23, 2013, Mr. Rizwanulla Khan has been responsible for the Company’s overall vision, strategy and financial objectives.

In his current role, Mr. Rizwanulla is a key architect of the Company’s long-term strategic plan, which is focused on increasing geographic penetration in the global and regional glass industry and delivering sustainable, long-term, profitable growth.

Mr. Rizwan attended the Bangalore University and holds a degree in Science & Law, enabling him to develop into a person with strong values and work ethics.

“Our vision is to be the most esteemed in the glass industry for delivering top-class, innovative glass products.”