The 11 cement companies in the UAE sold about 10.7Mt of cement in 2003 for an estimated total sales of Dh1.75 billion. The industry employs about 3000 workers and has an estimated investment of around Dh1.8 billion, according to a study by Global Investment House. According to AUCB (Arab Union For Cement and Building Materials), there are currently 12 cement factories in the country — 11 for portland cement and one for white cement. Out of these, six are listed companies. The country has till the last year been a net exporter of cement products. Demand spurt in recent months has, however, changed the scenario.
Prices for cement have gradually risen from the lows of 2000, on the back of firm domestic demand, following a spurt in domestic construction activity over the last 2-3 years, especially in the Emirate of Dubai, they were reportedly ruling at Dh280 per tonne. The construction activity is expected to sustain cement demand in the months to come.
