GCC Silica Sand Market

Market Overview:

The GCC silica sand market size reached USD 426.0 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 776.5 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.55% during 2025-2033. The growing application of hybrid guide plates and solar control glazing, thriving construction industry and the rising use of glass to manufacture jars, bottles, cups, bowls, windows, and facades represent some of the key factors driving the market.

Silica sand, also called industrial sand, is primarily composed of quartz with slight amounts of other materials or organic constituents, such as feldspars, carbonates, iron oxides, micas, clay minerals, and coal. It is usually found as unconsolidated deposits below thin layers of soil or in the form of sandstone. It is produced from both loosely consolidated sand deposits and by crushing weakly cemented sandstones. It has a high melting point, low thermal expansion, and enhanced chemical stability, which makes it a versatile and valuable material in numerous applications. It assists in manufacturing glass due to its high purity and consistency while providing clarity, strength, and heat resistance. It also aids in producing specialty glasses, such as solar panels, fiber optics, and laboratory glassware. It is widely utilized in the construction industry as a key component in concrete, mortar, and other cementitious materials. As it is used as a proppant in hydraulic fracturing operations to enhance the flow of oil and gas from underground rock formations, the demand for silica sand is increasing in the GCC region.

GCC Silica Sand Market Trends:

Increasing Construction Activities

The surge in construction activities across the GCC region is catalyzing the demand for silica sand, which is a key ingredient in producing concrete, cement, and other building materials. With numerous infrastructure projects underway, such as housing developments, highways, airports, and commercial hubs, construction firms require large volumes of high-quality sand for structural and finishing applications. In April 2024, Dubai unveiled USD 35 Billion project for the development of the largest airport terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport. The plan was to accommodate 260 Million passengers once it was finished. Silica sand’s strength, durability, and uniformity make it ideal for mixing with cement, manufacturing tiles, and producing industrial flooring. Moreover, the ongoing urban development in cities like Riyadh, Dubai, and Doha is driving consistent sand utilization. As government agencies are promoting economic diversification through real estate and tourism-based infrastructure, the thriving construction industry continues to broaden the market.

Growing Applications in Glass Manufacturing Industry

Silica sand plays a crucial role in the glass manufacturing process, particularly due to its high silica content, which ensures clarity, strength, and thermal resistance in finished products. The GCC region is witnessing a growing demand for glass in the automotive and packaging sectors, propelling silica sand utilization. Architectural glass, windows, facades, and decorative applications are widely used in the region's modern buildings, creating the need for quality glass production. Additionally, the rise of luxury real estate and commercial skyscrapers is increasing the use of specialty glass types, supporting silica sand adoption. Local manufacturers are also broadening their capacities to reduce dependency on imports, thereby boosting domestic silica sand sourcing. With the growing investments in the glass manufacturing industry, the market is set to expand across the GCC region. As per the IMARC Group, the Saudi Arabia glass manufacturing market is set to attain USD 1.85 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.65% during 2025-2033.

Rising Mining Exploration

Increasing mining exploration activities in the GCC region are positively influencing the market by enhancing the identification and extraction of new sand deposits. As per the government data, in the first half of 2025, Saudi Arabia granted an unprecedented number of new mining exploration licenses, reflecting a 144% growth compared to 2024. Government agencies are actively investing in geological surveys and resource mapping to diversify their economies and develop non-oil sectors, including industrial minerals like silica. As new reserves are discovered, production capabilities are expanding, ensuring a steady supply to meet the region’s high demand from construction, glass, and manufacturing industries. These exploration initiatives also attract private sector participation and international investments in mining operations. Enhanced mining operations also improve processing technologies, ensuring consistent quality and cost-efficiency.

Key Growth Drivers of GCC Silica Sand Market:

Increasing Demand for Solar Panels

The growing demand for solar panels in the GCC region is creating the need for high-purity silica sand, which is essential in the production of photovoltaic (PV) glass used in solar modules. As countries in the region aim to diversify their energy sources and meet renewable energy targets, large-scale solar projects are gaining momentum. Solar farms require extensive glass components, and the demand for silica-rich glass is increasing. Silica sand ensures the clarity, strength, and thermal performance needed in solar glass panels. Government agencies in the region are actively promoting solar energy through several initiatives. This shift towards clean energy is catalyzing domestic demand for silica sand, positioning it as a key raw material in the green energy supply chain and expanding its market presence in the region.

Regulations Promoting Sustainable Material Use

Regulations aimed at promoting sustainable material use are encouraging industries to adopt environment friendly manufacturing practices, thereby catalyzing the demand for silica sand. With government agencies setting stringent guidelines on raw material selection and carbon footprints, silica sand stands out as a natural, recyclable, and non-toxic option. In construction, it enables eco-conscious solutions like energy-efficient glass and permeable concrete, while in manufacturing, it supports cleaner production methods. These sustainability-based policies are motivating industries to replace synthetic or high-emission alternatives with natural minerals, such as silica. Additionally, green building certification programs and regional sustainability goals are amplifying this trend. As industries are seeking to align with these regulatory shifts, silica sand is emerging as a compliant and versatile raw material, contributing to both environmental objectives and market growth.

Growth of Foundry and Casting Industries

Silica sand’s heat resistance, granule consistency, and molding properties make it ideal for creating detailed castings used in automotive, machinery, and infrastructure equipment. As the region is strengthening its industrial base and promoting local manufacturing under various economic diversification programs, the demand for foundry operations is rising. Industries like oil and gas equipment manufacturing, heavy machinery, and automotive components rely heavily on precise casting processes that require high-grade silica sand. Furthermore, technological advancements in casting methods are improving sand usage efficiency while maintaining quality, supporting the sand market’s value chain. The steady expansion of industrial sectors in the GCC ensures that the foundry and casting segment will continue to be a reliable growth driver for silica sand demand.

Key Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the GCC silica sand market, along with forecasts at the country level from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on end use.

End Use Insights:

• Glass Industry
• Hydraulic Fracturing
• Foundry
• Filtration
• Abrasives
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the GCC silica sand market based on the end use. This includes glass industry, hydraulic fracturing, foundry, filtration, abrasives, and others. According to the report, glass industry represented the largest segment.

Country Insights:

• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Qatar
• Bahrain

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major markets in GCC, which include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain. According to the report, Saudi Arabia was the largest market for GCC silica sand. Some of the factors driving the Saudi Arabia silica sand market included the growing construction activities, rising sales of glasses, increasing shale gas exploration, etc.

Competitive Landscape:

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the GCC silica sand market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided. Some of the companies covered include Al-Rashed Cement Company, Alsalam Almasi, BMS Factories, Delmon Group, Gulf Minerals & Chemicals LLC, Majd Al Muayad, Mitsubishi Corporation, Muadinoon, etc. Kindly note that this only represents a partial list of companies, and the complete list has been provided in the report.

GCC Silica Sand Market News:

• July 2025: Dubai is set to host the third edition of the International Glass Manufacturing Show (IGMS 2026) from April 13th to 15th, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. IGMS 2026 will be the leading event of its nature in the Middle East and North Africa, focusing solely on the complete glass industry value chain, from raw materials like silica sand to advanced finished products and state-of-the-art processing, cutting, and finishing technologies.
• February 2025: United Mining Industries Co. acquired a minor mining license to investigate premium silica sand ore in the silica sand ore complex No. 1, Tayma Governate, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The license was intended to assist the company's future growth and development plans in the mining industry. Efforts were also being made to research various new products to improve the firm's operational abilities.
• October 2024: Minerals Development Oman (MDO) entered into a mining concession agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM) to investigate and develop strategic minerals in concession area 51F, situated in the Al Wusta Governorate, spanning 2,156 square kilometers in the Wilayat of Mahout, Oman. MDO’s latest concession enabled the company to emerge as the nation’s inaugural silica sand miner, furthering its plan to diversify its mineral offerings and explore new growth avenues.

Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the GCC silica sand market performed so far, and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What are the drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the GCC silica sand market?
• What is the impact of each driver, restraint, and opportunity on the GCC silica sand market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the end use?
• Which is the most attractive end use in the GCC silica sand market?
• What is the competitive structure of the GCC silica sand market?
• Who are the key players/companies in the GCC silica sand market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the GCC silica sand market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the GCC silica sand market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the GCC silica sand industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.