Middle East & Africa Advance Building Materials Market Outlook, 2030

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) advanced building materials market has been experiencing robust growth, driven by rapid urbanization, large-scale infrastructure developments, and an increasing commitment to sustainable construction practices. With burgeoning populations, especially in metropolitan hubs such as Dubai, Riyadh, Cairo, and Lagos, the demand for advanced, energy-efficient, and sustainable building materials is on the rise. The region is undergoing a significant transformation as governments and private investors push forward ambitious projects, including smart cities, high-rise commercial spaces, luxury residential developments, and green infrastructure.

Advanced building materials ranging from self-healing concrete, high-performance insulation, aerogels, phase-changing materials, and lightweight composite panels are gaining traction due to their superior strength, durability, and sustainability characteristics. Countries in the Middle East, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, have embraced cutting-edge construction materials as part of their national visions (e.g., Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Vision 2021), aiming to reduce reliance on traditional resources and enhance energy efficiency.

In Africa, though the adoption rate is comparatively slower due to infrastructural and economic constraints, countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria are beginning to integrate innovative materials into key projects, particularly where durability and resilience against climate extremes are crucial. The Middle East, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, has implemented stringent green building codes such as Estidama and the Saudi Building Code, which mandate the use of energy-efficient materials and sustainable practices. These policies have catalyzed the adoption of advanced materials by making sustainability a compliance issue as well as an economic opportunity. Similarly, in Africa, countries like South Africa have introduced the SANS 10400 building standards and energy efficiency regulations that encourage the use of materials with high thermal performance.

According to the research report "Middle East and Africa Advance Building Materials Market Outlook, 2030,", the Middle East and Africa Advance Building Materials market is anticipated to grow at more than 7.47% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. Technological advancement and international collaboration are also key drivers of the sector’s growth. The influx of foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly from Asia and Europe, has brought not only capital but also knowledge exchange, leading to the local development and manufacturing of innovative materials. This includes the setting up of regional production units for aerated concrete, fiber-reinforced polymers, and energy-efficient glazing systems.

Moreover, the rise of smart city developments such as NEOM in Saudi Arabia, Lusail City in Qatar, and Eko Atlantic in Nigeria demands the use of high-tech construction inputs capable of supporting interconnected infrastructure, data-driven building management systems, and sustainable energy solutions. These futuristic projects are acting as testbeds and showcases for cutting-edge materials that can meet the dual demands of performance and aesthetics. The integration of digital construction technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and material lifecycle tracking is further accelerating the adoption of advanced solutions by optimizing material selection, reducing waste, and improving project timelines.

In the Middle East, initiatives such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Qatar National Vision 2030, and the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy have laid the groundwork for large-scale infrastructure projects that prioritize green and technologically advanced materials. These strategies are directly influencing material choices in public and private sector construction, encouraging innovations like smart glass, carbon-negative concrete, and recycled composite materials.

Africa, while at a different stage of industrial maturity, is also witnessing transformative changes. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is facilitating smoother cross-border material supply and technology transfer, while countries like Rwanda, Morocco, and Ghana are emerging as regional leaders in sustainable urban development, integrating advanced building materials into new eco-friendly housing and commercial developments.

Market Drivers

• Mega Infrastructure and Visionary Urban Development Projects: The MEA region, especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, is witnessing a boom in mega infrastructure and futuristic urban development projects. Initiatives such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and projects like NEOM and Expo City Dubai are fueling demand for innovative, durable, and sustainable building materials. These high-profile developments prioritize smart infrastructure and environmental sustainability, driving the adoption of advanced materials like carbon-fiber-reinforced composites, smart glass, and high-performance insulation. These materials meet the high standards required for durability in extreme desert climates and align with global benchmarks.
• Climate Adaptation and Energy Efficiency Goals: With much of the MEA region facing extreme heat and water scarcity, there's an urgent need for materials that support climate resilience and energy efficiency. Governments and developers are increasingly investing in ABMs that offer thermal insulation, solar reflectivity, and moisture resistance. For example, reflective roofing materials and advanced facade systems help buildings maintain cooler interiors, reducing the need for energy-intensive air conditioning. This demand is further supported by energy conservation regulations and green building certification programs being introduced across the region.

Market Challenges

• Limited Local Manufacturing and Import Dependency: The ABM industry in the MEA region heavily relies on imported materials due to limited local production capacity. This leads to higher costs, longer lead times, and vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions. Many countries in Africa, for instance, lack the infrastructure to manufacture advanced materials at scale, while even GCC nations still import critical components. This dependency hampers timely execution of projects and restricts the widespread adoption of ABMs, particularly in cost-sensitive markets.
• Skills Gap and Technical Expertise Shortage: Implementing advanced building materials requires specific technical expertise - both in design and application. However, the MEA region often faces a shortage of skilled labor and trained professionals who understand how to work with these newer materials. This gap leads to improper installation, underperformance of materials, or reluctance among developers to experiment with new technologies. Furthermore, inconsistent training and lack of awareness among architects and contractors hinder the integration of ABMs into mainstream construction.

Market Trends

• Rise of Modular and Prefabricated Construction: To address time and cost constraints, there is a rising trend in modular and prefabricated construction across the MEA region. Advanced building materials like lightweight composites, pre-engineered panels, and structural insulated panels are being increasingly used in these systems. These materials enable quicker assembly, reduce on-site labor, and improve construction quality - particularly important for large-scale housing or infrastructure projects in remote or rapidly developing areas.
• Focus on Sustainable and Locally Sourced Materials: Sustainability is becoming a stronger priority, especially with the global spotlight on climate action. In response, developers and governments are encouraging the use of sustainable and even locally sourced advanced materials, such as recycled aggregates, geopolymer concrete, and bio-based insulation. These not only reduce the environmental impact of construction but also help lower costs and dependency on imports. Africa, in particular, is showing promise in developing ABMs using indigenous materials and natural resources.

The largest share of green building materials in the MEA (Middle East and Africa) advanced building materials industry is driven by the region's increasing emphasis on sustainability, energy efficiency, and addressing environmental challenges.

Green building materials have become the dominant segment in the MEA advanced building materials industry primarily due to the region’s growing commitment to sustainability, a shift in construction practices towards more energy-efficient buildings, and the global pressure to address climate change. With many MEA countries facing rapid urbanization and extreme climate conditions, such as scorching heat and arid environments, the importance of energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and resilient construction solutions has skyrocketed. The adoption of green building materials helps to significantly reduce energy consumption, improve thermal performance, and lower carbon footprints, which is essential for sustainable urban development in the region.

Furthermore, governments across the Middle East and Africa have introduced numerous regulations and initiatives that promote environmentally conscious building practices. For example, the UAE's Vision 2021 and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 emphasize the development of sustainable infrastructure and the reduction of carbon emissions, creating a robust policy framework that encourages the use of green technologies and materials. In addition to governmental incentives, the push towards green building materials is also fueled by increasing public awareness of the environmental impacts of traditional construction methods.

As more people in the region recognize the significance of climate change and environmental degradation, there is a growing demand for buildings that are not only energy-efficient but also contribute to the overall well-being of the population. Green building materials such as energy-efficient insulation, solar panels, recycled content, low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints, and advanced glazing are essential to addressing these challenges.

While the initial investment in green materials might be higher, the long-term savings in energy costs, maintenance, and water consumption make these materials highly attractive to developers and building owners in the MEA region. For instance, solar panels, which are becoming more prevalent in the region, can help significantly reduce electricity bills in countries where energy costs are typically high.

The walls application type dominates the MEA (Middle East and Africa) advanced building materials industry due to the region's demand for climate-responsive architecture, energy-efficient building designs.

The walls application type is the largest segment in the MEA advanced building materials industry due to a combination of regional environmental challenges, architectural trends, and a growing demand for energy-efficient solutions. The region experiences intense heat, especially in the summer months, and the need for buildings to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures with minimal reliance on mechanical cooling systems has become a significant priority. Walls play a crucial role in thermal insulation, preventing heat from penetrating the interior of buildings, and thereby reducing the energy consumption required for air conditioning.

In addition to thermal performance, walls in the MEA region are also critical for their role in providing structural integrity and resilience against harsh environmental conditions such as sandstorms, high winds, and moisture. This has led to a growing interest in durable and weather-resistant materials like concrete, brick, and advanced composite panels that can withstand these extreme conditions while ensuring long-term performance. The use of materials such as insulated concrete forms (ICFs) or advanced composite wall panels is on the rise, as they offer not only thermal insulation but also superior strength and soundproofing capabilities, making them suitable for both residential and commercial buildings.

The MEA region’s rapid urbanization and the massive influx of new construction projects have further intensified the demand for innovative wall materials. As cities like Dubai, Riyadh, Cairo, and Cape Town continue to experience population growth and infrastructure development, the need for high-performance walls in both new constructions and retrofitting projects has surged.

Walls are no longer seen simply as vertical barriers but are now considered essential components in creating energy-efficient, sustainable, and comfortable living environments. Building codes in many MEA countries have become more stringent, requiring developers to incorporate green building practices, including enhanced thermal insulation, moisture control, and noise reduction.

The advanced cement and concrete material type dominates the MEA (Middle East and Africa) advanced building materials industry due to the region's rapid infrastructure development, large-scale construction projects, and the need for durable, cost-effective.

The dominance of advanced cement and concrete materials in the MEA advanced building materials industry is primarily driven by the rapid urbanization, ambitious infrastructure projects, and environmental challenges faced by the region. Cement and concrete are the backbone of construction in many MEA countries, especially given their strength, durability, versatility, and adaptability to the harsh climatic conditions typical of the region. As MEA countries, particularly in the Middle East, continue to experience rapid urbanization and a surge in infrastructure development, there is an ever-increasing demand for advanced cement and concrete solutions to meet the requirements of large-scale commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects.

From the construction of vast residential complexes and luxury skyscrapers in Dubai and Riyadh to expansive roads, bridges, and stadiums, cement and concrete are indispensable materials. Concrete is favored for its versatility and adaptability, as it can be molded into various shapes and sizes, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including foundation work, high-rise buildings, bridges, and even decorative finishes. The use of pre-stressed and reinforced concrete systems, which offer added strength and flexibility, has enabled the region to build some of the tallest and most iconic structures in the world, such as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Furthermore, advanced cement and concrete materials have gained traction due to their cost-effectiveness, especially in the context of large-scale construction projects. Cement is one of the most affordable materials available, and concrete, being a composite material, allows builders to achieve high-strength, durable structures at relatively low cost compared to other alternatives.

The ability to source raw materials locally, such as limestone, which is abundant in many MEA countries, further, contributes to the affordability and widespread use of cement and concrete. Additionally, the production processes for cement and concrete have become more efficient, with modern techniques like ready-mix concrete delivery systems allowing for faster and more economical construction timelines.

The growing demand for structural strength and durability in the MEA (Middle East and Africa) advanced building materials industry is driven by the region’s large-scale construction projects, extreme environmental conditions.

The increasing focus on structural strength and durability in the MEA advanced building materials industry is largely due to the region's rapid urban development, extreme climate conditions, and the growing need for infrastructure that can withstand both environmental and operational stresses over time. In the Middle East and Africa, the construction sector is experiencing a boom driven by extensive urbanization, mega infrastructure projects, and an influx of global investments, all of which demand building materials that ensure long-term stability and safety.

The harsh environmental conditions typical of the MEA region, such as extreme heat, sandstorms, high humidity, and coastal salinity, are major factors driving the demand for building materials with superior structural strength and durability. In countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, buildings need to endure the stress of soaring summer temperatures and sandblasts that can gradually erode the surface of buildings and infrastructure. The constant exposure to extreme weather makes it imperative for structures to be made from materials that are resistant to degradation and capable of withstanding physical wear over time.

Advanced building materials designed for structural strength and durability, such as reinforced concrete, high-strength steel, and corrosion-resistant alloys, are increasingly popular as they ensure buildings and infrastructure remain safe, stable, and functional in these challenging conditions. Moreover, the rising focus on safety and resilience in the region's growing cities has placed an increased emphasis on durability. Many MEA countries are experiencing rapid growth in high-rise buildings, commercial complexes, and public infrastructure. These structures not only need to support large amounts of weight and traffic but must also be able to withstand potential natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and high winds.

The growth of the commercial construction (offices, malls, hotels, etc.) end-user type in the MEA (Middle East and Africa) advanced building materials industry is driven by rapid urbanization, economic diversification, and the increasing demand for modern.

The commercial construction sector in the MEA region, including offices, malls, hotels, and other commercial buildings, has seen significant growth in recent years, and this trend is set to continue as urbanization accelerates and economies diversify. As cities across the Middle East and Africa rapidly evolve into global business, tourism, and retail hubs, the demand for modern, sophisticated, and highly functional commercial spaces is on the rise. Consequently, there is a growing need for advanced building materials capable of meeting the complex demands of commercial construction projects.

The population of many major cities, such as Dubai, Riyadh, Cairo, and Lagos, has been growing rapidly, and with it comes the need for infrastructure to support a booming workforce, retail, and tourism sectors. In the Middle East, the demand for commercial spaces has been particularly high, driven by ambitious urban development plans, such as the Saudi Vision 2030 and Dubai's Expo 2020 preparations. These initiatives have led to large-scale, high-profile commercial projects that require advanced building materials that meet international standards of safety, energy efficiency, sustainability, and aesthetics.

Malls and office buildings are becoming more integrated into mixed-use developments, and there is a strong emphasis on creating world-class, state-of-the-art environments to attract global businesses, tourists, and consumers. Modern office buildings, retail spaces, and hotels must offer not only functionality but also prestige, incorporating cutting-edge design and advanced materials that reflect the status of these cities as international business centers. The increasing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient commercial buildings is another important factor in the growing use of advanced building materials in the commercial construction sector. Many MEA countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, have implemented strict building regulations focused on environmental sustainability.

Saudi Arabia is leading the Middle East and Africa advanced building materials industry due to its strategic investments in infrastructure development, supported by Vision 2030, which fosters innovation, sustainability, and the adoption of cutting-edge construction technologies.

Saudi Arabia’s dominance in the Middle East and Africa’s advanced building materials industry can be attributed to its ambitious Vision 2030, a comprehensive framework aimed at diversifying the kingdom’s economy away from oil dependency while positioning it as a global leader in technology, innovation, and sustainability. One of the key components of this vision is the large-scale infrastructure and construction projects that are transforming the kingdom. These projects, ranging from megacities like Neom to large-scale urban developments, require advanced building materials that cater to the evolving needs of the construction industry, such as sustainability, durability, and energy efficiency.

To meet these needs, Saudi Arabia has been heavily investing in the research, development, and production of innovative construction materials, with a strong emphasis on utilizing new technologies like 3D printing, high-performance concrete, advanced insulation systems, and environmentally friendly materials. This commitment to developing a sustainable and future-proof infrastructure not only boosts the domestic construction industry but also positions the country as a key player in the global advanced building materials market. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s strategic location as a bridge between the Middle East, Asia, and Africa enhances its role in regional trade and manufacturing.

The kingdom’s logistical and transportation infrastructure has been significantly upgraded in recent years, enabling the swift import and export of materials and technology, as well as the efficient distribution of locally produced materials to neighboring countries. By capitalizing on its proximity to emerging African markets and its strong economic ties with major Asian construction hubs like China, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a central player in the construction materials supply chain across the Middle East and Africa.

Considered in this report:

• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report:

• Advance Building Materials Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type:

• Green Building Materials
• Technically Advanced Building Materials

By Materials:

• Advanced Cement & Concrete
• Cross-laminated Timber
• Structural Insulated Panel
• Sealants
• Other (Aerogels, Recycled Composite Materials, Geopolymer)

By End Use:

• Residential Construction
• Commercial Construction (Offices, Malls, Hotels, etc.)
• Industrial Buildings (Factories, Warehouses)
• Infrastructure (Bridges, Roads, Tunnels, Airports)
• Institutional Construction (Hospitals, Schools, Government Buildings)

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.