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Milano by Danube has set a target of 20 percent growth for 2026 as the company rolls out its Global Direct strategy to create more resilient sourcing routes and closer ties with manufacturers. The initiative comes after the brand grew by the same margin during a period of severe supply chain strain when freight rates surged nearly tenfold. At an annual Traders Meet in Dubai the company outlined how the approach would deliver greater agility and allow it to capitalise on opportunities in the regional market.
More than 500 traders and partners attended the event at the Ritz-Carlton DIFC where Milano by Danube showcased products ranging from water heaters and sanitary ware to electrical items and hardware. The gathering served as a platform to gather direct feedback from traders closest to end customers and to align future plans with market realities. Company officials used the occasion to detail recent investments including two new showrooms opened despite broader sector uncertainty.
Anis Sajan, vice chairman of parent Danube Group, said the biggest lesson from the current global situation is that supply chains cannot be treated as a back-end function anymore. They have become a strategic part of the business. When shipping routes change or costs increase overnight, you need the flexibility to respond. This is why we have been looking closely at our global sourcing and building a more direct model, he added at the gathering.
Sahil Sajan, director of Milano by Danube, said despite challenges including freight rates increasing nearly tenfold from USD 1,000 to USD 10,000 the company never stopped its imports or compromised on its commitment. While several players chose to scale down, Milano continued to invest, maintain supply and support its customers, allowing it to capitalize on additional market share that became available. Sahil Sajan added that every challenge brings an opportunity and that just as during COVID the firm chose to adapt and act decisively resulting in 20 percent growth in that period.
The company has opened a Deira showroom dedicated to export traders and an experiential centre in Maleha, Sharjah, moves that reflect confidence in the UAE market even amid uncertainty. These facilities support mixed-category sourcing and maintain substantial inventory at Jebel Ali warehouses. Sahil Sajan told attendees that Global Direct focuses on the entire journey from manufacturer to market to improve efficiency and responsiveness.
IMARC Group data shows the UAE building materials market rising from USD 7.5 billion in 2026 toward USD 11.5 billion by 2034 at a compound annual growth rate of 5.23 percent, driven by infrastructure projects and demand for sustainable options. GlobalData projects the broader construction industry to expand 5 percent in real terms this year supported by foreign direct investment, construction loans and oil sector activity. Moody’s Ratings noted in a July report that the UAE construction pipeline continues largely as planned despite material costs rising 20 to 25 percent from pre-war levels with contractors absorbing much of the increase through stockpiles and local sourcing.
