Growth and Innovations in the Glass Industry in the Middle East
The glass industry in the Middle East is one of the most discussed sectors - and why wouldn't it be, when the region's rich cultural heritage, the high rise lavish building and technology driven verticals including construction, automotive, packaging, consumer goods, and solar energy are paving ways for a better future.
In this blog, we will briefly discuss verticals in which the glass industry of the Middle East is used and what is actually leading to the industry's growth.
Before we proceed, to let you know, very recently, the industry has experienced significant growth and development, with new technologies and innovations driving progress across different verticals. Here's a closer look at the latest developments in each vertical of the glass industry in the Middle East:
1) Construction: If we hear of glasses, the first thing that comes to our mind is huge buildings, big glass walls, mirrors, decoratives used in construction and everything else. The construction industry Middle East is the largest market for glass in the region, accounting for approximately 70% of the demand. In recent years, the industry has seen significant growth, driven by numerous ambitious construction projects in the region.
If we talk about a recent technology that is creating a buzz in the construction industry in the Middle East is the use of smart glass technology.
By transitioning between clear and opaque states, smart glass technology products improve privacy, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. This technology is employed in a range of contexts, from business buildings to luxury homes, and is expected to increase rapidly in the coming years.
2) Automotive: With increasing disposable budgets and a growing population, the Middle East is a significant market for automobile glass materials. The Middle East and Africa automotive glass market is growing at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2020 to 2027, as anticipated by Allied Market Research, due to rising demand for luxury automobiles and greater investment in the automotive sector.
The rising usage of advanced glass technologies, such as laminated glass, which provides increased safety and security features, is one notable development in the automotive vertical of the glass business.
Additionally, producers are concentrating on the production of lightweight glass goods, which can improve fuel efficiency and minimise emissions.
3) Packaging: We all have glass packages at home. Don't we? Not only are they appealing but climate friendly. Glass being a popular material for sustainable packaging in the Middle East, particularly in the food and beverage industry - is looked upon greatly by the investors.
Durability, non-reactivity, and the ability to preserve the flavour and freshness of its contents are just a few of the benefits of glass packaging.
Grand View Research estimates that the market for glass packaging in the Middle East and Africa was worth USD 2.41 billion in 2020 and will increase at a 5.5% CAGR from 2023 to 2028. The report also states that in the packaging sector of the Middle East, sustainable packaging will hold the largest share.
From the time sustainability and sustainable packaging has come into play and have become one of the priorities of all the policymakers around the world, the glass industry's demand in the Middle East has considerably risen.
The reason being that glass has a highly recyclable material, and manufacturers are focusing on developing eco-friendly packaging options to meet the growing demand for sustainable products.
4) Consumer goods: In the Middle East, glass is also utilised in a variety of consumer goods, such as cookware, electronics, and home furnishings.
Increased demand for cutting-edge glass technologies, such as tempered glass, which offers greater durability and breakage resistance, is one major development in the consumer products vertical of the glass industry.
Manufacturers are concentrating on producing customised glass goods such as beautiful glass in order to suit the rising demand for personalised items.
5) Solar energy:. In the Middle East, a large market for solar energy, glass is necessary for the production of solar panels. A number of nations, like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, have grand ambitions to boost solar energy production and lessen their reliance on fossil fuels.
For instance, Saudi Arabia intends to produce 58.7 GW of solar energy by 2030, which will make up over 30% of the nation's overall energy output. By 2050, the UAE wants to produce 44% of its energy from renewable sources, with a focus on solar energy.
The region is going to plant its solar panels in almost all its construction industry in the Middle East and this drove the glass industry of the Middle East to a much higher level ever since the plan came to everyone's knowledge.
Now, you know why the glass industry in the Middle East is exponentially on the verge of becoming a huge hub of investors. If you too want to capture the industry and make your business expand in the region - you must attend the Global Glass Show 2023 Abu Dhabi, - bringing the Entire Value Chain of Glass and Related Industries Under One Roof for two consecutive days - 6th and 7th of September in Conrad Abu Dhabi, Etihad Towers.