Marble and stone have long been the cornerstone of architectural masterpieces, from the Parthenon in Athens and the Colosseum in Rome to the modern skyline of Manhattan. These materials are essential in creating an aura of luxury and sophistication, and architects have relied on their timeless appeal for centuries to bring visions of grandeur to life.
Nearly three decades ago, GLAZE entered the UAE market and redefined how marble was perceived. At that time, marble was treated as just another masonry material, often stored in open, dusty yards. Architects were limited to choosing from a few stone samples, typically no more than five or six. GLAZE saw an opportunity to revolutionise the experience by elevating the quality, variety and selection of stones, aligning to the standards found in Europe and the United States.
Inspired by the renowned stone galleries of Verona, Italy, GLAZE transformed the local industry, not just by creating visually appealing galleries but by curating an exceptional selection of premium-quality stones. The company is also proud to be the exclusive distributor of world-class porcelain and quartz brands like Neolith, XTONE by Porcelanosa, Caesarstone and Coante. This vast selection gave architects and project owners access to meticulously chosen marble slabs, making it easier to design luxurious, high-end spaces.
Over the years, GLAZE has expanded its offerings beyond natural marble to include porcelain and quartz, setting new industry standards that competitors now strive to match. Known for its superior collection of marble, onyx, travertine and top-tier brands of porcelain and quartz, GLAZE is a leading player in the UAE and neighbouring countries.
GLAZE introduced a groundbreaking concept to the region – a gallery where architects and designers could explore more than 500 unique designs of marble, onyx and travertine, as well as over 350 designs of porcelain and quartz slabs. This extensive and unprecedented collection under one roof made GLAZE a go-to destination for luxury surface solutions. Today, GLAZE stands as one of the strongest brands in the UAE, offering a vast range of natural stones and high-end porcelain surfaces.
Umesh Punia, CEO of GLAZE, reflects on the evolving market: “The shift we’ve seen in the market is exciting. People are now looking to make Dubai their permanent home and are investing in quality from the start. This focus on luxury and design has transformed the market, allowing us to introduce new, innovative materials.” He continues, “The demand for high-end luxury has surged. Designers are now bolder, seeking unique stones that haven’t been used before. This shift has been a game-changer for us, as it aligns perfectly with GLAZE’s niche and enables us to push boundaries.”
Punia also highlights the continued dominance of cold colour schemes in architectural design. White, grey and black tones remain popular, overshadowing the once-favoured warm themes of beige, brown and red, which are now mostly confined to private residential spaces. GLAZE is well-prepared to meet the needs of both cold and warm design concepts. The company offers over 200 varieties of white, grey and black marbles sourced from 20 countries. Similarly, its engineered surfaces include more than 150 colours of porcelain and quartz designs from top brands.
Punia adds, “While high-end luxury marble can be restricted by budget constraints, GLAZE offers a range of top-tier engineered stones and porcelain slabs that replicate the natural beauty of Italian marbles. Brands like Neolith, XTONE and KOZO offer large-format porcelain slabs that combine the elegance of marble with superior strength, durability and ease of maintenance.”
These sintered stone and porcelain slabs, measuring 320 cm by 160 cm, outperform traditional ceramic or porcelain tiles, making them ideal for high-traffic areas in both residential and commercial projects. As cost-effective alternatives that retain the aesthetic appeal of natural stone, these engineered options are set to dominate the market in the coming years.
GLAZE continues to lead the way, introducing new materials that redefine luxury in the world of architecture and design.
