Dubai crystal firm eyes European expansion

Dubai-based crafts firm Crystal Arc is planning to invest up to US$2m expanding into the European market over the next six months, according to a senior executive.

“We are talking to a couple of stores which would be interested in distributing [our products]. We have got responses from Selfridges and even Galeries Lafayette,” Mustansir Saifuddin, director of Crystal Arc, told Arabian Business.

“In terms of value, we are looking at doing an investment of 1.5 to two million dollars… We are looking at this within six months,” he added.

Set up in 2001, Crystal Arc crafts unique pieces of artwork for individuals, corporate bodies and public and federal institutions. Its products include tableware, glassware, vases, Islamic creations, miniatures of landmark buildings, laser engraving, trophies and plaques.

The firm, which has 180 craftsmen and house designers employed at its offices in Dubai, currently has two stores in the UAE and also supplies its products to Bahrain, Oman and Qatar.

In its bid to crack the European market, Saifuddin said it was also working with some European designers to expand its range.

“At the moment we are in the midst of talking to some designers in Europe through whom we would be able to work and do some special pieces for casting for them… That is one way we are working at marketing our products,” he said.