Report Overview

The thriving construction and solar industries’ increasing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable materials like flat glass are expected to drive the expansion of Middle East and Africa flat glass market during the forecast period between 2023 and 2029.

Middle East and Africa Flat Glass Market - Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2029

The Middle East and Africa flat glass market size was estimated at USD 15.79 billion in 2022. During the forecast period between 2023 and 2029, the Middle East and Africa flat glass market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% reaching a value of USD 25.19 billion by 2029. The flat glass market in the Middle East and Africa region has been experiencing steady growth in recent years. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including population growth, urbanization, infrastructure development, and increased construction activities in the region. The primary driver of the flat glass market in the Middle East and Africa is the booming construction industry.

Many countries in the region, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, have been investing heavily in large-scale construction projects, including residential buildings, commercial complexes, and infrastructure development. It has created a significant demand for flat glass products for windows, doors, facades, and interior applications. For instance, according to the report of World Bank and OECD, in South Africa, the construction industry contributed 24.5% in the overall GDP of the country in 2021, as compared to 23.4% in 2020. Additionally, the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2022 are major growth drivers for Qatar's construction industry. The ongoing implementation of major development projects across various sectors, including building, hospitality, tourism, transportation, infrastructure, explains Qatar's vision.

Middle East and Africa Flat Glass Market – Overview

Flat glass, also known as sheet glass or plate glass, is a type of glass that is produced in a flat, solid form. It is manufactured by pouring molten glass onto a metal table and then rolling it into a smooth and uniform sheet. The glass is subsequently cooled and processed to meet specific requirements. Flat glass is characterized by its flat and transparent surface, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. It is commonly used in the construction industry for windows, doors, facades, and interior partitions. Additionally, flat glass is used in automotive windshields, furniture items, electronics displays, solar panels, and various household appliances. The versatility and durability of flat glass make it a fundamental material in numerous industries, contributing to both functionality and aesthetics in a variety of applications.

Middle East and Africa Flat Glass Market

Growth Drivers

Increasing Demand for Flat Glass from Construction Industry

Flat glass is widely utilized in the building sector due to its numerous applications, which vary from heat insulation to soundproofing and from safety applications to sun protection. It is widely used in windows, facades, doors, internal partitions, balustrades, store fronts and stair and balcony railings, among other architectural components. During the anticipated period, the flat glass market will benefit from these diverse applications. Flat glass is commonly used in windows in building and construction applications for both practical and aesthetic reasons, allowing consumers to see out the window while also protecting them from dangerous UV radiation.

Furthermore, flat glasses need more force to break.​ The Saudi construction sector is predicted to develop significantly and profitably as a result of substantial expenditures in residential and non-residential projects. Many industrial centers, schools, hospitals, real estate, clean energy infrastructure, smart cities, and tourist projects are under construction. According to a Gulf Council Corporation study, Saudi Arabia plans to invest SAR 250 billion (USD 66.47 billion) on healthcare infrastructure, with private sector participation increasing from 40% to 65% by 2030.

Restraints

Volatile Raw Material Prices

Fluctuating raw material prices can indeed pose challenges and hamper the growth of the flat glass market in the Middle East and Africa region. The cost of raw materials, such as silica sand, soda ash, limestone, and other chemicals used in the glass manufacturing process, can have a significant impact on the overall production cost of flat glass. When raw material prices experience volatility, it can lead to uncertainty in the market and create challenges for flat glass manufacturers. Fluctuating raw material prices can influence market dynamics in the flat glass industry. It can lead to price fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and increased competition among manufacturers. Companies may need to adjust their pricing strategies and manage their supply chain effectively to navigate these challenges.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Middle East and Africa Flat Class Market

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the flat glass market in the Middle East and Africa region. The measures taken to contain the spread of the virus, such as lockdowns, travel restrictions, and social distancing protocols, resulted in disruptions across diverse sectors, including construction, automotive, and consumer goods. As a result, the flat glass market witnessed a slowdown and faced several challenges.

The construction sector, which is a major consumer of flat glass, witnessed significant disruptions during the pandemic. Construction activities were halted or delayed due to labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and project cancellations. The uncertainty surrounding the pandemic and its economic impact led to a decline in investment in new construction projects. Consequently, the demand for flat glass used in building facades, windows, and interior applications was adversely affected.

Middle East and Africa Flat Glass Market

Segmental Coverage

Middle East and Africa Flat Glass Market - By Product

Based on product, the Middle East and Africa flat glass market is segmented into insulated glass, coater glass, reflective glass, processed glass, and mirrors. In 2022, the insulated product segment led the market. Demand from applications such as curtain walls, storefronts, above glazing, non-vision areas, and commercial and operable windows is expected to continue to be a major driver of market growth. Manufacturers have been forced to expand their manufacturing capabilities in response to rising demand. According to the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the United Arab Emirates is investing AED 11.8 billion (USD 3.2 billion) in nearly 130 state-funded development projects by 2023. The ministry will implement 17 projects to be used as health facilities and a further 26 for the UAE’s Ministry of Interior. The plans also include 12 infrastructure developments for educational facilities while there are plans to develop 15 government buildings that are accessible to the public.

Middle East and Africa Flat Glass Market - By Type

Based on type, the Middle East and Africa flat glass market is divided into float, sheet, and rolled segments. Float glass undergoes further processing such as lamination, coating, and heat treatment to make it suitable for architectural and automotive applications.  The construction sector is in great demand for float glass covered with metal oxide coating for usage in residential and commercial structures. Coated glasses are in high demand because of their qualities such as glare reduction, low solar heat gain, UV radiation blocking, and customization and adaptability. The rising demand for float glass due to its features will drive the floating segment's growth over the projected period, consequently propelling the market.

Middle East and Africa Flat Glass Market - By End-user Industry

Based on end-user industry, the Middle East and Africa flat glass market is segmented into building & construction, automotive, solar, and other end-user industries. In 2022, the building & construction application category had the highest market share. The segment would grow at a steady rate from 2023 to 2029 due to increasing building activities and infrastructural advancements caused by urbanization and population expansion in the Middle East and Africa. The product has a wide range of uses in the automotive industry, including vehicle windows, doors, windscreens, side panels, sunroofs, and lighting.

However, due to a drop in vehicle manufacturing, the automotive application category has grown slowly in recent years. For instance, the increasing investments of Asian vendors in the African market and a steady growth in the number of smart city initiatives in the region are expected to increase the demand for flat glass in the Middle East and African construction sector during the forecast period. According to the Industry Association, more than 5,200 construction projects are currently ongoing in Saudi Arabia at a value of USD 819 billion. These projects account for approximately 35% of the total value of active projects across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Middle East and Africa Flat Glass Market - By Country

The Middle East and Africa flat glass market is segmented into five countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, and Rest of MEA. Saudi Arabia remains the fastest-growing construction market in the region. Many ongoing and upcoming construction projects are expected to contribute to the demand for flat glass in the country. As per the report of the Central Department of Statistics and Information of Saudi Arabia, SAR 29,367 million (~USD 7,808.22 million) was added as the construction industry's value added to the total GDP of the country in Q1 2022, as compared to SAR 29,252 million (~USD 7,777.64 million) in 2020.

The Saudi Arabian government recently announced its Vision 2030, which aims to focus on sustainability commitments, improving the quality of life for citizens, and building a thriving economy in the country. The Vision 2030 agenda has unleashed essential infrastructure and real estate projects worth USD 1 trillion. With its USD 1.1 trillion project pipeline, the country is looking for qualified builders to shape its most ambitious projects, such as the tourist destination of the Neom super-city, the 334 square kilometer entertainment city of Qiddiya, the development of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Al-Ula, and the luxury and sustainable tourism focused Red Sea Project.

Competitive Landscape

Product/service launches, approvals, patents, and events, as well as acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations, are all major strategies used by companies in the Middle East and Africa flat glass market. The Middle East and Africa flat glass market is consolidated in nature. Some of the key players in the market include AGC Inc., Asahi India Glass Limited, Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. Ltd, GUARDIAN GLASS LLC, Nippon Sheet Glass Co. Ltd, Phoenicia, Saint-Gobain, SCHOTT AG, Sisecam Group, and Vitro.

Recent Developments

• In September 2022 - Saint-Gobain announced that it had invested in new production facilities in Egypt. Investments were made in manufacturing plants for flat glass. The multinational company also announced its plans to build two new manufacturing plants for flat glass, gypsum, and sustainable building materials over the next three years.

• In August 2022 - Vitro, a Mexico-based company, unveiled its plan to construct a flat and container glass plant in Egypt. The company intended to invest in a 350,000 m2 (meter square) flat glass factory and a 150,000 m2 container glass facility under a free zone framework, with a total investment of USD 400 million.

Scope of the Report

By Product

• Insulated Glass

• Coater Glass

• Reflective Glass

• Processed Glass

• Mirrors

By Type

• Float

• Sheet

• Rolled

By End-user Industry

• Building & Construction

• Automotive

• Solar

• Other end-user industries

By Country

• Saudi Arabia

• UAE

• Qatar

• Kuwait

• South Africa

• Nigeria

• Algeria

• Rest of MEA