BASF cuts ribbon on the new regional headquarters

BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, officially inaugurated its new regional headquarters for the Middle East at Jafza One, part of the Jebel Ali Freezone, on 13 June.

Customers, including automotive industry customers, business partners, and other contacts were invited for this festive event.

The new office cements BASF’s long-standing presence in the region. It has been operating in the Middle East for more than a century, and opened its first office in the UAE in the 1970s.

Dr Udo Huenger, vice president Middle East, BASF, welcomed guests and colleagues and highlighted that the new office sets BASF up for the next phase of growth in the region. Laurent Tainturier, senior vice president, BASF, responsible for emerging EMEA, joined Udo by Webex to congratulate the team on the fantastic new space.

Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO and managing director of DP World UAE Region, and CEO of JAFZA, was next in taking the stage to thank BASF for the positive collaboration and partnership. His remarks were followed by a project overview from Ali Lalehparvar, head of facility management, who also called all project partners on stage for a special recognition.

The office was officially opened by HE Sheikh Sultan bin Khaled bin Sultan Al Qasimi, German Consul General Günter Rauer, Mohammed Al Muallem and Dr. Udo Huenger. Guests enjoyed a tour of the office, a German buffet and some swinging live music.

The new office compliments the recently opened BASF Refinish Coatings Academy in Abu Dhabi and creates a modern space for BASF to interact with customers and distribution partners in the Middle East. Following the worldwide open office concept of the BASF Group, the new facility is equipped with newest communication technology and offers various multi-purpose rooms for our collaboration with distributors and customers during trainings, workshops and events.

At 1,660 sqm, the new office includes 113 ergonomically-designed workstations, seven meeting rooms named after the seven emirates of the UAE, as well as six collaboration booths. Noise pollution is reduced by sound absorption delivered by BASF-solution Basotect®.

The new site has also been designed with environment and sustainability in mind, while full digitalisation include automatic lighting, wireless devices in all rooms and a RoomWizard booking system.

Meanwhile, the modern reception room has been designed to reflect both the industry and the culture, providing an ideal area to welcome customers, partners and suppliers.

Dr. Udo Huenger said, ‘During the years, BASF has contributed to the UAE’s growth and development by providing sustainable solutions across almost every industry. Investing in a new space for our regional headquarters reflects our strong commitment to the region – by creating a new way of working for our staff and by sharpening and strengthening the focus on our customers in line with our new corporate BASF strategy announced in November 2018.’