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Surging domestic demand -
Cement is the primary constituent of concrete that has a variety
of construction and numerous other applications. The construction
sector and the cement industry go hand in hand.
Unprecedented construction activities have fuelled demand for
cement in the recent years. Cement consumption per capita in the
GCC stands at 437 kg, almost twice that of the world average of
277. Cement consumption in the UAE itself has increased from 2.6
million tonnes in 1992 to 17 million tonnes in 2007.
In the region, the GCC states, Jordan, Syria, Iran and Iraq are
seeing massive investments in the sector to decrease reliance on
imports and boost local production. Dubai itself imported almost
three million tonnes of cement in 2007, a 73.6 per cent increase
on the previous year.
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REGIONAL PRODUCTION & EXPANSIONS:
More than 100 factories worth 1.2 trillion US dollars are expected
in the Middle East, which are currently in various stages of
planning, with 60 of the projects being new ventures. The GCC
accounts for 585 billion US dollars for 25 new plants and
upgrades.
According to the UAE Ministry of Public Works, the country is set
to become the region's second-largest producer of cement by 2009
with an annual production of up to 50 million tonnes. The UAE
presently has 12 companies specialising in the production of
cement and clinker, and 26 companies involved in the downstream
activities such as ready-mix and precast concrete.
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