What are the best metal wall finishes for preventing corrosion in coastal areas of the UAE and Qatar?

Coastal environments in the UAE and Qatar are aggressive for building materials because salt spray, humidity, and fine desert sand accelerate corrosion and mechanical wear. For metal wall systems in these regions, prioritize finishes and materials engineered for marine and high-UV exposure. PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) resin-based coil coatings applied to aluminum panels are widely used: they offer excellent UV stability, color retention, and chemical resistance — ideal for Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai façades. Anodized high-grade aluminum (AA 5000/6000 series with appropriate thickness) provides a durable, non-organic oxide layer that resists pitting in saline atmospheres; choose hard-anodize variants where abrasion from sand is a concern. For stainless steel elements, specify duplex or higher-grade stainless alloys (e.g., 2205 or 316L for fasteners and trim) rather than common 304; these alloys offer superior resistance to chloride-induced corrosion. Zinc-aluminum-magnesium alloys (ZM) and continuous hot-dip galvanizing with duplex coatings can also be effective for steel substrates, but must be paired with protective topcoats to improve longevity in hot-saline climates. Powder coatings formulated for marine use, with polyurethane or fluoropolymer chemistries, can add extra protection but require strict QA during surface preparation. Finally, ensure all coatings meet relevant test criteria (salt spray, UV fade, and adhesion tests) and protect vulnerable details—fixings, panel edges, and flashings—by using sacrificial or higher-grade materials to prevent premature failure along joints common in UAE and Qatar coastal projects.