Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE import millions of tons of sand annually despite being surrounded by vast deserts. The reason lies in the physical properties of desert sand, which make it unsuitable for modern construction.
Desert sand grains are shaped by wind over thousands of years. This process produces particles that are smooth, rounded, and fine. While abundant, these grains do not bind effectively with cement. Because they lack rough edges, they cannot interlock properly, resulting in weaker concrete that fails to meet structural requirements for high rise buildings, bridges, and large infrastructure.
In contrast, construction grade sand comes from riverbeds, quarries, and coastal deposits. These grains are angular, rough, and irregular in shape. Their sharp edges allow them to lock together tightly when mixed with cement, producing stronger, more durable concrete capable of supporting skyscrapers and megaprojects, as detailed by 3DVF.
This explains why the UAE imported more than 6 million tonnes of sand in 2023 alone, valued at about $40.6 million. Major suppliers include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Belgium. Even Saudi Arabia itself both imports and exports specialized sand depending on quality and project requirements.
The demand is driven by massive construction efforts across the Gulf, including iconic projects like the Burj Khalifa, Palm Islands, and future megacities such as NEOM. These developments require highly specific construction materials that desert sand cannot provide.
Globally, sand is the second most consumed natural resource after water, with around 50 billion tonnes used each year. This enormous demand has raised environmental concerns, including river ecosystem damage, coastal erosion, and illegal sand mining in many regions.
To address these challenges, Gulf countries are exploring alternatives such as manufactured sand and recycled construction materials. These engineered substitutes can match natural sand’s structural performance while reducing environmental impact.
Despite endless deserts, the reality is that not all sand is equal. For modern megacities, the right kind of sand is a critical and surprisingly scarce resource.
