Deckelmann Wellness, a German manufacturer of luxury spas and jacuzzis has appointed Middle East Development and General Trading of the UAE to represent it in the Gulf and India.

Managing director Norbert Deckelmann said the specialist designer of jacuzzis, thermal spas and steam rooms intended to tap only the high-end market segments including luxury hotels and palaces as well as individuals preferring quality life-styles.

"The advancement in luxury hotels has opened up the need for sophisticated, luxurious and technically advanced wellness centres. Customers now demand the utmost in relaxation and recreation of soul, body and mind. It is the setting up of these exclusive centres which help position hotels and resorts as the provider of exclusive facilities," Deckelmann was quoted by the Khaleej Times as saying, at a press conference in Dubai.

Ra'ed Baker, director of the Dubai-based Middle East Development and General Trading, said the German company, which has a reputation for quality and exclusivity in designing and building pampering centres, would look at expanding in the Gulf markets.

"The vibrant development activities in the UAE makes this place the ideal hub for Deckelmann Wellness. We believe that the market has matured enough to accept the concept of luxurious wellness centres," the report quoted him as saying.

A call has gone out to establish a dedicated organisation to promote small private projects in the UAE, a local newspaper reported.

The recommendation was made at a seminar titled The National Role of the Private Sector, organised by the Federal National Council (FNC) in coordination with Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), the Khaleej Times newspaper reported.

The seminar called for the establishment of an authority to render "all possible consultative, technical and training services to small investors in the private sector to come up with small industrial projects".

Other recommendations included providing easy loans for such projects, the setting up of a centre to carry out research, studies and planning on local and foreign markets, providing protection for local products against competition from foreign goods, and encouraging nationals to invest in areas controlled by foreign investors, the report said.