Dublin, Oct. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The “UAE Lightweight Aggregates Market by Region, Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2020-2030F” report has been added ResearchAndMarkets.com Offer.
The lightweight aggregates market in the UAE was valued at US$ 394.42 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 566.45 million by 2030, registering a compound annual growth rate of 6.06%.
The UAE's lightweight aggregates (LWA) market has witnessed rapid change, driven by the rise of sustainable construction projects and modular techniques in the country.
Prefabricated and modular construction methods are increasingly being used, accounting for approximately 30% of all new commercial buildings, driving the adoption of LWA due to its easier handling and reduced on-site labor requirements. Tools such as BIM and digital modeling are now used in over 70% of government-funded infrastructure contracts to enable precise material selection and focus on lighter aggregates for roofs, cladding panels and structural infill.
Sustainability and environmental regulations
Sustainability guidelines are a central factor for the introduction of LWA. Builders are now required to ensure at least 20% recycled aggregate content in new buildings, compared to 0% just five years ago, increasing demand for lightweight options. The launch of the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 has sparked more than 50 LEED-certified projects across the emirate, each incorporating lightweight insulating aggregates into facades and flooring. This resulted in an estimated thermal efficiency improvement of 18 MJ/m, resulting in a reduction in HVAC load of approximately 12%.
Green building specifications require that 60% of concrete mixes in infrastructure works use lower carbon intensity materials – which favors LWA due to its almost 28% lower embodied energy per cubic meter. Carbon capture kilns now account for 45% of aggregates production lines, signaling the industry's shift toward lower-emission production. In addition, nine government programs now offer incentives – including fee waivers or tax breaks – worth a total of AED45 million to developers who set LWA for facades, roofs or sound insulation.
As ecological zones on 10 reclaimed islands expand, projects require lightweight fill material to control loads. Since 2022, almost 12 million cubic meters of expanded clay or slate have been required for this. The region's waste recycling plants now process over 1.2 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste per year, 25% of which is converted into lightweight aggregates. The use of these materials compared to traditional aggregates results in 35% lower water permeability, significantly reducing the required waterproofing volume. The regulatory environment continues to tighten, with penalties now being imposed if the proportion of recycled aggregates on public projects falls below 15% – creating additional legal risk for traditional options.
High initial investment and equipment costs
One of the key challenges facing the lightweight aggregates market in the UAE is the significant capital investment required for production facilities. The production of lightweight aggregates, particularly using rotary kiln technology for expanded clay, slate or shale, requires high-temperature sintering lines and automated material handling systems. Setting up a single production unit with a capacity of 100,000 tonnes/year typically requires an investment of AED 40-60 million. Smaller manufacturers struggle to obtain financing due to uncertain ROI and limited access to credit.
In addition, equipment maintenance costs increase during energy-intensive operations; Kilns use 20-30% more energy than traditional aggregate crushers. This impacts operating margins and extends the break-even period beyond five years in many cases. Additionally, many UAE-based startups rely on imported machinery, which not only increases costs by 25% due to shipping and customs duties, but also results in delays in commissioning and maintenance. These restrictions discourage new entrants and prevent domestic production from scaling, leading to supply shortages and a heavy reliance on a few established players.
Use of lightweight aggregates in 3D printed and prefabricated elements
Lightweight aggregates are being integrated into advanced construction technologies such as 3D printing and high-performance precast panels. Companies are experimenting with lightweight foam concrete and geopolymer mixtures with the addition of expanded clay or sintered fly ash. These additives help reduce curing time and allow for thinner wall sections without sacrificing strength. In 2023, over 10 3D printed pilot structures in Dubai were fitted with LWA-based mixtures to reduce material volume and dead load.
By reducing the density (up to 600 kg/m), printing devices can work faster and with less wear. Likewise, prefabricated façade panels made with LWA weigh 20-30% less and are easier to install with fewer cranes. This has increased factory throughput by 15% in several modular structures. LWA is also used in prefabricated underlayment, bathroom stalls and MEP sheathing. These applications benefit from faster curing, improved sound insulation and a superior fire rating, making lightweight aggregates a preferred component of digital construction ecosystems.
Key attributes:
| Report attribute | Details |
| Number of pages | 85 |
| Forecast period | 2024 – 2030 |
| Estimated market value (USD) in 2024 | $394.42 million |
| Projected market value (USD) by 2030 | $566.45 million |
| Compound annual growth rate | 6.0% |
| Regions covered | United Arab Emirates |
Report scope:
Important market participants
- LafargeHolcim
- Holcim Ltd
- CEMEX SAB de CV
- CRH plc
- Boral Limited
- Arcosa
- Leca
- Liapor
- Norlite
- Charah solutions
UAE Lightweight Aggregates Market, By Aggregate Type:
- Lightweight expanded clay aggregate
- Sintered lightweight aggregate
- Fly ash lightweight aggregate
- Foam/cellular concrete
- Other
UAE Lightweight Aggregates Market, By Particle Size:
UAE Lightweight Aggregates Market, By Application:
- construction
- Oil and gas
- energy
- Chemistry and petrochemistry
- Other
UAE Lightweight Aggregates Market, By Region:
- Abu Dhabi
- Dubai
- Sharjah
- Ajman
- Umm Al Quwain
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Fujairah
For more information about this report, visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/a2smi9
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Lightweight aggregates market in the United Arab Emirates
