Prices of basic building materials in the UAE domestic market declined significantly in November, according to Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi. Prices of cement, construction steel and wood declined, while the prices of a wide variety of other building materials remained relatively stable. However, a rise was noted in the prices of some other items, including, electrical cables and wires and PVC pipes.


“The downward trend in the building materials market can be attributed to a steady rise in the domestic supply of locally made as well as imported items, coupled with the relatively lackluster activity experienced lately by the construction market,” according to the Centre.


The report reveals a decline between 0.1 per cent to 3.0 per cent in the prices of most types of cement during November 2010 compared with October. On this regard, the price of Etihad and Emirates sulphate resistant cements retreated by 3.0 per cent and 1.2 per cent respectively. The price of standard Portland cement also declined by 2.3 per cent, while white cement edged down 0.1 per cent.


Omani Gypsum was an exception to the general decline in the prices of group, growing by 3.4 per cent, while the price of Omani lime stabilised in November 2010 compared to October.