United Arab Emirates (UAE) Gypsum Board Market Overview, 2029

Gypsum boards have become an essential component in construction projects around the UAE, acting as adaptable materials for walls, ceilings, and partitions. Their popularity originates from prominent features like fire resistance, acoustic insulation, and ease of installation. However, recent patterns indicate a shifting demand landscape. One notable trend is an increased preference for moisture-resistant and fire-resistant cultivars, particularly in humid climates. This transition is motivated not only by climate concerns, but also by severe safety rules that regulate construction techniques. Architects and developers are modifying their specs to ensure compliance and improve safety standards. The UAE's construction sector is witnessing unprecedented expansion, fueled by a slew of megaprojects and significant government investments. This increase in construction activity translates directly into strong demand for gypsum boards. Furthermore, there is a clear tendency among architects and developers toward sustainable building approaches. This gives a great opportunity for the adoption of environmentally friendly gypsum boards, which aligns with the region's broader sustainability goals. As stakeholders prioritise ecologically responsible construction approaches, the market for sustainable gypsum boards is expected to grow.


According to the research report “UAE Gypsum Board Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the UAE Gypsum Board Market is forecasted to value at more than USD 1900 Million by 2029. Several factors contribute to the UAE's thriving gypsum board business. The continued boom in construction activity, driven by government infrastructure projects and rising disposable income for residential improvements, is a major driver of demand. However, the industry confronts its own set of obstacles. Fluctuations in oil prices, given their importance to the UAE economy, can have a substantial impact on construction spending and, as a result, gypsum board demand. Furthermore, competition from lower-quality imports is a constant concern, necessitating steps to maintain product quality and market competitiveness. The UAE's dedication to strict fire safety requirements highlights the necessity of fire-resistant gypsum boards in the construction industry. These laws are a major driver of demand for such specialist items because adherence to safety standards is not negotiable. Furthermore, the Emirates Standardization and Metrology Authority (ESMA) plays an important role in enforcing product quality and safety standards, ensuring that gypsum boards satisfy regulatory specifications. Compliance with these criteria is required for all manufacturers and suppliers operating in the UAE market, stressing the importance of regulatory compliance in determining industry dynamics.

The gypsum board market segmentation encompasses various product types and applications. In terms of products, leading offerings include wallboard, commonly known as drywall or gypsum board, prized for its ease of installation and fire-resistant properties, making it a staple in both residential and commercial construction projects. Additionally, ceiling board, another form of gypsum board, finds extensive use in providing smooth finishes for ceilings while offering lightweight and fire-resistant characteristics. Pre-decorated board, featuring decorative finishes applied during manufacturing, caters to diverse aesthetic preferences. Furthermore, the Type X board stands out for its enhanced fire resistance, serving specific application needs. Regarding applications, residential usage dominates, with gypsum board widely employed in houses, apartments, and condominiums for interior walls and ceilings due to its ease of installation, durability, and soundproofing capabilities. The industrial sector witnesses growing adoption, utilising gypsum board for construction purposes across various industries. In the commercial sphere, gypsum boards find extensive application in non-residential buildings such as offices, retail stores, and hospitals, offering attributes like fire resistance, sound control, and durability. Other applications encompass pre-engineered metal buildings and institutional structures, which often demand customised solutions to meet specific design requirements. This comprehensive segmentation reflects the diverse utility and versatility of gypsum board across residential, industrial, and commercial sectors, catering to a wide range of construction needs with its unique properties and applications.


One of the major sales prospects on the horizon is Expo 2025 Dubai, which promises to be a focal point for development projects. With such large-scale expansions, there is an increased demand for construction materials, such as gypsum board goods. Additionally, the yearly Big 5 Construct Egypt show is an important event for regional industry players. It provides a forum for presenting gypsum board goods, attracting stakeholders from all across the region. These events not only promote networking, but they also provide opportunities for product promotion and market growth. Gypsum boards are primarily distributed through a variety of channels, including building material suppliers, distributors, and direct sales to contractors, especially on large-scale projects. These channels are critical in guaranteeing extensive availability and accessibility of gypsum boards to satisfy the different requirements of construction projects. Building material suppliers act as crucial intermediates, delivering a wide selection of supplies to meet a variety of construction needs. Wholesalers help with the distribution process by selling gypsum boards to retailers and contractors, which contributes to the efficient flow of commodities in the market. Direct sales to contractors allow manufacturers to build direct ties with key customers, delivering personalised solutions and quickly meeting specific project objectives.


The UAE confronts problems because of limited natural gypsum resources; however, the market makes up for this through well-established import channels. These channels enable a consistent supply of raw materials to meet the demand for gypsum boards while also supporting the continuous operation of manufacturing facilities. Manufacturers can overcome geographical barriers while maintaining output levels to fulfil market demand by utilising importation techniques. Furthermore, strategic sourcing activities and relationships with overseas suppliers strengthen the supply chain's resilience, reducing risks related with raw material availability and assuring manufacturing continuity. The COVID-19 pandemic had a severe influence on the gypsum board market, disrupting construction activity and resulting in a fall in demand in 2020. Widespread lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, and economic uncertainty caused project delays and cancellations, hurting gypsum board consumption across many construction segments. However, as limitations were lifted and new projects resumed, the market experienced a surge in demand, fueled by pent-up construction activity and recovery efforts. This resilience emphasises the importance of gypsum boards in construction projects, as well as their adaptability to changing market conditions. Looking ahead, continued government investments in infrastructure development and a gradual rebound in the construction sector are projected to keep the gypsum board market on track for growth.



Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Gypsum Board market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product
• Wallboard
• Ceiling Board
• Pre-decorated Board
• Others

By Application
• Residential
• Industrial
• Commercial
• Others (Pre-Engineered metal building and Institutional)

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

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