ASCER, the Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers’ Association held an international press conference within the framework of the CEVISAMA trade fair, earlier this year in March in Valencia, Spain.

Backed by ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones, the event was an opportunity to present the latest innovation and design trends from the exhibiting companies, before ending with the presentation of the 23rd edition of ASCER’s annual Tile of Spain Architecture and Interior Design Awards.

ASCER’s president, Vicente Nomdedeu Lluesma, gave the provisional industry overview for 2024, which closed on a slightly positive note in terms of production, domestic sales and employment.

Total turnover for the sector in 2024 reached €4.819bn, reflecting a moderate year-on-year drop of 0.9 per cent, with international markets accounting for 72 per cent, a continuation of the negative trend. Conversely, the domestic market experienced slight growth. Exports to 186 countries amounted to €3.479 billion (-2.4 per cent), whereas domestic sales grew by 3.1 per cent, reaching €1.34bn (provisional figures).

Geographically, Europe remains the primary market for Tile of Spain, with six countries ranking among the top ten export destinations and concentrating 51.1 per cent of all exports (40.2 per cent within the EU27). The United States leads the ranking of countries, with sales totalling €470.2m, 13.5 per cent of total exports.

At the press conference, ASCER’s president highlighted that “a significant part of our business is generated in highly demanding markets, where customers seek products with high levels of innovation, design, and quality. These are mature markets that appreciate the added value of Spanish ceramics”.

Nomdedeu reiterated the messages of the industry-wide communication campaign ‘The Secret Ingredient’, funded by the Generalitat Valenciana regional government: “Choosing Spanish ceramic tiles means opting for a material that meets the highest standards, produced with respect for the environment, people, ideas, and our customers. In Europe, we incorporate a secret ingredient that sets us apart and is not immediately visible: respect.”

Following the industry data presentation, Lutzía Ortiz and Ana Benavente from the Trends Observatory of the Institute of Ceramic Technology (ITC by its Spanish initials), reviewed the latest design proposals from the Tile of Spain companies participating in CEVISAMA. They placed particular emphasis on how Spanish ceramic tiles adapt to consumer needs by offering design, versatility, and functionality.

Next up on the agenda was the presentation of the Tile of Spain Architecture and Interior Design Awards. Currently in their twenty-third edition, these awards hold a firmly consolidated position in the fields of architecture and interior design. For this latest edition, the Tile of Spain Awards were sponsored by PortValencia, Torrecid and PwC España, and also received the backing of the Generalitat Valenciana’s Regional Ministry of the Treasury and the Economy.

• All the details, infographics, trends, and photos from the press conference are available at https://tileofspain.com/dossier/cvsm-2025/
• Information on the winning projects, images, reports, and further details can be accessed on the Tile of Spain Awards website at www.premioceramica.com

From March 30, Eid Al Fitr celebrations are planned across the UAE.

Here are some places where you can watch fireworks and take part in events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi over the Eid break.

Dubai is gearing up for a spectacular Eid Al Fitr celebration with extended hours at Global Village and fireworks lighting up the sky across multiple locations.

Festivities and fireworks at Global Village

From March 28 to April 6, Global Village will host a series of festive attractions, cultural performances, and live entertainment.

During the first three days of Shawwal, the park will remain open from 4pm to 1am, offering visitors an extended opportunity to explore its vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences.

One of the main highlights will be the breathtaking nine-night fireworks show, taking place daily from March 28 to April 5.

During Ramadan nights, the display will begin at 10pm, shifting to 9pm from the first day of Eid (March 30).

The grand festivities will culminate with a much-anticipated concert by Assala Nasri on April 6.

Fireworks at destinations in Dubai

For those staying in the UAE over the long Eid weekend, there are plenty of other spots across Dubai to catch dazzling fireworks.

1. Nessnass Beach: Visitors can enjoy a culinary experience with fireworks at 8pm on the first day of Eid.
2. Dubai Parks and Resorts: Riverland Dubai will feature fireworks at 9:30pm on the first two days of Eid.
3. Hatta: Eid celebrations extend to the mountains, with an 8pm fireworks show on the first day of Eid.
4. Bluewaters & The Beach, JBR: Fireworks will light up the sky at 9pm on the second day of Eid.

Events in Dubai

Eid Al Fitr parade in JLT: A parade of drummers and performers will take place in JLT on the first day of Eid Al Fitr.

The family-friendly event will take place from 4pm to 6pm, starting at Cluster D Promenade Level, winding its way through JLT Park Gate 1 and Gate 2, before ending by the fountain area.

There will be sweet treats for spectators, too. The event is free to attend but registration is encouraged on the Jumeirah Lakes Towers website.

Live entertainment at City Walk: For the first three days of Eid Al Fitr, this Dubai shopping destination will host free musical acts, including Lebanese singer Amanda Maalouf and the retro-focused Cassette Band. Performances will take place in the fountain area and start at 5pm each evening.

There will also be traditional performances by an Emirati troupe on the first and second day of Eid in the courtyard and fountain area.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah: Souk Madinat Jumeirah will host a celebration that honours UAE heritage and culture during the first three days of Eid, from 4pm to 8pm. Expect roaming traditional bagpipes, while Arabic coffee and dates will be served at the Amphitheatre.

Read: Eid Al Fitr shopping: Dubai’s Great Online Sale returns with up to 95% off

Fireworks in Abu Dhabi

Yas Bay Waterfront will host fireworks for all three days of Eid, starting at 9pm.

Guests can watch free of charge, but there is also the option to book surrounding restaurants, including include Daikan, Hunter & Barrel, Asia Asia, Barbossa and Paradiso, for a more comfortable viewing experience.

Free events in the emirate

Airship Orchestra at Galleria Mall Al Maryah Island: An interactive installation by Melbourne studio Eness, which features 16 inflatable sculptures embedded with motion sensors that emit light and sound in response to passers-by, will be on the Promenade at the Galleria Mall Al Maryah Island until April 20.

The sculptures in Airship Orchestra are up to six metres tall and a choir will “compose” a new score each night for them.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has outlined the working hours for its services during the Eid Al Fitr holiday for 1446H/ 2025, which will take place from Saturday, March 29 to Wednesday, April 2.

Regular working hours will resume on Thursday, April 3.

The affected services include customer centres, parking zones, public transportation, marine services, and vehicle testing centres.

During the Eid Al Fitr holiday, vehicle testing centres will remain closed from 1 to 3 Shawwal (March 31 -April 2), with operations resuming on 4 Shawwal (April 3).

Similarly, Customer Happiness Centres will be closed during the same period.

However, Smart Customer Happiness Centres located in Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, Al Kifaf, and at the RTA Headquarters will remain open 24/7.

Metro and Tram services during Eid

The Dubai Metro will operate on adjusted timings during the holiday period. For the Red and Green Lines, the schedule is as follows:

• Saturday, March 29: 5am to 1am (next day)
• Sunday, March 30: 8am to 1am (next day)
• Monday to Wednesday, March 31 to April 2: 5am to 1am (next day)

Meanwhile, Dubai Tram services will run from Saturday to Monday, March 29 to 31 , from 6am to 1am.

On Sunday, March 30, the service will begin at 9am and continue until 1am (next day).

Public buses and marine transport

The Dubai Bus and Hatta Bus services, as well as marine transport options — including the Water Taxi, Dubai Ferry, and traditional Abra services — will operate with updated schedules during the holiday.

For the most up-to-date information on service timings, commuters are advised to check the S’hail app or visit the official RTA website.

Free parking in Dubai

During the Eid Al Fitr holiday, all public parking will be free of charge from 1 to 3 Shawwal (March 31 -April 2), with the exception of multi-level parking terminals.

Paid parking will resume on April 3.

Read: New update on Dubai’s variable parking tariff policy; see details

The Presidential Court has declared that tomorrow, Sunday, March 30, will mark the first day of Eid Al Fitr in the United Arab Emirates, following the confirmed sighting of the Shawwal crescent this evening.

Read-Eid Al Fitr 2025: GCC countries announce long holidays

According to a WAM report, the UAE Council for Fatwa deployed AI-powered drones to sight the Shawwal crescent moon for the year 1446 AH, highlighting the country’s leadership in adopting innovative technological solutions for monitoring and observation.

The council is the first in the world to utilize this advanced technology for moon sighting, having previously employed it earlier this year to observe the Ramadan crescent.

Several drones were deployed from the Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory, equipped with high-precision lenses that ascended more than 300 meters above the ground, directed toward the location of the moon based on precise astronomical calculations.

The council used this approach for the second time to overcome potential challenges that could obstruct visual sighting and ensure the atmospheric clarity required for accurate observation.

Additionally, AI-powered technologies were utilized to analyze images, process data, and determine the location of the crescent’s birth and its visibility with high precision.

Seven locations for Eid Al Fitr cannons

The Dubai Police have designated seven sites across the emirate for the traditional Eid Al Fitr cannon firing, a cultural practice symbolizing the celebration.

Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Tarish Al Amimi, Commander of the Cannon Team, explained that the Eid cannon is a significant part of the UAE’s social heritage, deeply rooted in the community’s memory and consciousness.

Specialized teams will operate the cannons at seven locations: Za’abeel Grand Mosque in Za’abeel and the Eid prayer grounds in Umm Suqeim, Nad Al Hamar, Al Barsha, Nad Al Sheba, Al Baraha, and Hatta.

Fuel prices in the UAE decreased in March, offering some relief to drivers after an uptick in February.

This drop followed a two-month price freeze in December and January.

Effective March 1, the per-litre rates for petrol and diesel were Dhs2.73, down from Dhs2.74 for Super 98 in February; Dhs2.61, down from Dhs2.63 for Special 95; Dhs2.54, down from Dhs2.55 for E-Plus 91; and Dhs2.77, down from Dhs2.82 for Diesel.

Oil slips on recession fears but posts 3rd weekly gain

Oil prices fell on March 28, due to concerns that US tariff wars could spark a global recession, but gained for a third consecutive week after Washington ramped up pressure on OPEC members Venezuela and Iran.

Brent crude futures fell 40 cents, or 0.5 per cent, to settle at $73.63 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures (WTI) fell 56 cents, or 0.8 per cent, to close at $69.36 a barrel.

US President Donald Trump plans to announce reciprocal tariffs targeting a wide range of imports, effective on April 2.

The trade war has investors worried about a potential recession, according to JPMorgan analysts.

“Concerns about a trade war, coupled with elevated US policy uncertainty, are weighing heavily on sentiment,” they said.

Although recession risks are high, high-frequency oil demand indicators have held up relatively well, JPMorgan noted.

Mid-week data from the Energy Information Administration showed US crude inventories fell by 3.3 million barrels to 433.6 million barrels last week, compared with analysts’ expectations in a Reuters poll for a 956,000-barrel draw.

On a weekly basis, Brent futures gained 1.9 per cent, while WTI rose 1.6 per cent. Since hitting multi-month lows in early March, Brent is up more than 7 per cent, and WTI has rebounded over 6 per cent.

“The key theme this week was the Trump administration ratcheting up the pressure on the Maduro regime in Venezuela,” said Barclays analyst Amarpreet Singh.

Trump on Monday announced new 25 per cent tariffs on potential buyers of Venezuelan crude.

These measures could worsen the anticipated 200,000 barrel-per-day decline in Venezuelan crude oil output this year, Singh added.

This has compounded uncertainty for buyers and halted Venezuelan oil trade to top buyer China. Elsewhere, sources said India’s Reliance Industries, operator of the world’s biggest refining complex, will halt Venezuelan oil imports.

The OPEC+ group is set to begin its program of monthly increases to oil production in April. The group, which comprises OPEC and allies led by Russia, is likely to continue raising oil output in May.

(With inputs from Reuters)