The precast concrete market in GCC counties such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar is experiencing increased demand as a result of major infrastructure projects, which include the construction of facilities for Expo 2020 (UAE) and the 2022 World Cup (Qatar).
According to a report by Ventures Onsite, a construction intelligence consultancy, precast concrete is also expected to play a major part in Dubai’s 2020 building programme for structures that can be easily dismantled and relocated. Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, the building material will reportedly be used to help meet government targets of 500 000 new housing units.
Paul Maxwell-Cook takes a look at the performance of the cement industry in the Middle East, where infrastructure projects are helping to drive demand.
Cement demand in Qatar is forecast to double over the next three years due to increased government spending on infrastructure, according to a report by Arqaam Capital.
A rise in construction and infrastructure projects in Qatar in 2013 has boosted economic growth in the country by 6.2%, according to the latest report released by the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics.