Jotun celebrates 50 years of leadership in the UAE

Jotun, the globally renowned paints and coatings manufacturer, celebrates a golden milestone - 50 years of inspiring the visual and architectural landscape of the UAE. Since establishing its presence in 1975 in Rashidiya, Jotun has become an integral part of the nation’s design evolution, delivering quality and colour solutions that defined many of the UAE’s most iconic landmarks - from the historic Dubai World Trade Centre, the landmark Burj Al Arab to the one and only Burj Khalifa and Dubai Metro and to the bold hues of Expo 2020.

In 2003, Jotun recorded a sales volume of 28 million litres and transitioned to its state-of-the-art facility in Al Quoz Industrial Area, built with a production capacity of 40 million litres.

Over the past two decades, Jotun has not only mirrored Dubai’s construction boom cycle - experiencing peaks and corrections in step with the market - but also demonstrated remarkable resilience and operational excellence. In 2024, Jotun proudly crossed the 100 million litre milestone, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6 per cent over 20 years.

Today, the UAE remains one of Jotun’s top-performing markets globally, exporting to over 23 countries around the world. With plans to grow at 8 per cent year-on-year over the next three years, Jotun is preparing for its next phase of expansion.

The company is set to increase production capacity to 145 million litres through operational efficiencies and phased investments in new production lines - reinforcing its long-term commitment to the region.

Rooted in Scandinavian innovation yet deeply attuned to regional aesthetics, Jotun’s robust coatings and trendy colours have set the tone for decorative, protective, marine and powder coatings the Emirates. Jotun’s contribution goes beyond paints supply - it is woven into the very fabric of the UAE’s construction segments.

Through deploying highly qualified technical service team, launching top colour services like colour consultation and colour academy and its growing portfolio of sustainability compliant paints, Jotun continues to shape not just how spaces look, but how they feel, function, and endure in a climate-conscious future.

Kjetil Urheim, General Manager at Jotun UAE, comments, “Design is not static - it evolves with the people, the place, and the purpose. For five decades, we’ve had the privilege of helping shape the UAE’s built environment with protection, colours and innovation at the core.”

Additionally, Jotun’s 2030 sustainability goals, started in 2017 (green steps), synchronise with Dubai 2040 goals, where Jotun aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 50 per cent and convert 70 per cent of its energy consumption to renewable sources. Moreover, the durability Jotun secures in its innovative products and solutions ensures its ‘build for generations’ commitment.

Over the last five decades, Jotun UAE has grown into a trusted partner for homeowners, developers, architects, consultants, and contractors alike, offering products that blend Scandinavian innovation with UAE insight.

Jotun’s legacy in the UAE is ultimately not just seen - it’s lived in, experienced, and remembered, one colour at a time.