The international natural stone event strengthens its global outreach with the participation of top Gulf companies and the support of IGAPE
Stonegal 2025, the international natural stone fair to be held from June 3 to 5 at the Instituto Ferial de Vigo (IFEVI), reinforces its position as a global platform with the confirmed presence of prominent participants from the United Arab Emirates, thanks to the support of the Galician Institute for Economic Promotion (IGAPE).
Among the attending companies are key players in the Gulf region such as Dar Al Rokham, BEAD Architects & Engineers, and General Engineering Company (GEC)—all specialized in architecture, design, and construction using natural stone. Also participating is Juan Roldán, an architect and professor at the American University of Sharjah, whose work explores the relationship between public space and domesticity in the urban landscapes of the Emirates.
With nearly 50 years of experience, Dar Al Rokham is one of the GCC’s largest marble and natural stone specialists, renowned internationally for its diverse and customized approach. BEAD Architects & Engineers, founded in Dubai in 2008, is known for its innovative approach and commitment to research-driven contemporary design. GEC, a global consultancy firm with expertise in large-scale urban developments, hospitality, and comprehensive space design, is recognized for its ability to manage complex projects with creativity and efficiency.
Natural stone from Galicia already features in landmark projects in the Middle East, such as the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, the Telecom building in Al Nahda (Dubai), whose façade is clad in Rosa Porriño granite installed by Dar Al Rokham and the NYU Abu Dhabi campus, where the same company installed white granite flooring and countertops. In Qatar, notable examples include the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort, with lobbies and public areas finished in granite and marble, and the Law Faculty of Qatar University, where countertops and cladding in natural stone were installed.
“The participation of these firms enhances the international dimension of Stonegal and brings us closer to new strategic markets for Galician natural stone. We are very excited about this connection between Galicia and the UAE, which opens new business and collaboration opportunities for our sector,” said Alejandro Miras, director of Stonegal.
José Ángel Lorenzo, Secretary General of the Granite Cluster, emphasized that “the presence of companies and professionals from the UAE at Stonegal confirms the growing interest in Galician granite in some of the world’s most demanding international markets. These kinds of connections are key to positioning our natural stone as a high-value material in contemporary architecture and design.”
