The UAE adhesive market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing infrastructure projects, economic diversifications, and growing government emphasis on sustainability. The market consists of diverse product portfolio that caters different industries including construction, packaging, healthcare, and automotive. The construction segment dominates the market, with adhesives used in flooring, tiling, and panelling applications accounting for nearly 30% of total demand as of 2024. The automotive sector is witnessing rising demand for high-performance adhesives. Furthermore, growing government focus on sustainability is accelerating the demand for eco-friendly adhesives. As of 2024, more than 60% of the manufacturers adopt water-based and recyclable adhesive formulations for packaging. The market is positioning itself as critical component for country’s economic strategy.
What’s Driving the Adhesive Market in UAE?
Booming Construction and Infrastructure Sector
Construction sector is one of the major consumers of adhesive with key ongoing projects including Etihad Rail Network and Expo City Dubai expansion. The sector accounts for nearly 10% of the country’s GDP and use adhesives in flooring, tiling, and facade installations. Moreover, country’s plan to invest USD 50 billion in infrastructure by 2030 will further boost the demand for structural and construction adhesives.
Growing Automotive Sector
The UAE automotive sector is rapidly expanding to reduce import reliance and increase local manufacturing. This growth is accelerating the demand for speciality adhesives which are important for vehicle assembly, including interior panels, trims, and body components. Furthermore, shift towards electric-vehicles are encouraging manufacturers to adopt lightweight and high-bond adhesives to reduce vehicle weight.
Shift Towards Sustainable Packaging
The growing emphasis on sustainable packaging is driving the adhesive market in UAE. The packaging sector accounts for 20% of the total adhesive consumption, with flexible packaging solutions witnessing highest growth as of 2024. The government regulations are encouraging manufacturers to adopt water-based and recyclable adhesive formulations.
Market Competition
The UAE adhesive market is highly competitive with mix of regional and global players striving to dominate the landscape. The major player of the market includes Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, H.B. Fuller Company, and 3M Company. Henkel AG & Co. KGaA is one of the leading producers in adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings. In 2024, company partnered with Kraton Corporation to develop bio-based products derived from pine wood pulping, as a part of its growing focus on sustainability. H.B. Fuller Company has strengthened its position in the market by continuously investing in innovation and sustainability. As of 2025, the company reported net revenue of USD 789 million. Meanwhile, 3M is known for its innovative adhesive solutions and has maintained its presence by supplying a range of products across various industries, including construction and automotive.
Raw Material Price Volatility and Import Dependency
The UAE adhesive market is experiencing a significant challenge of volatility in raw material prices due to heavy reliance on imports. The country is dependent on import of raw materials including synthetic resins, solvents, and additives. This is creating global supply chain disruptions and price fluctuations, impacting production costs and profit margins. Furthermore, country’s position as major adhesive importer with around 1,851 buyers globally is reflecting its vulnerability to international market dynamics.
Future Outlook
The UAE adhesive market is set to experience transformations through 2030, with increasing technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and diversifications across industries. The liquid adhesives are expected to dominate the market, with compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2025 to 2030. This growth will be fuelled by increasing demand from construction, automotive, and healthcare sectors along with development of high-performance adhesive solutions. By 2030, ocular adhesives and sealants market is projected to reach USD 5.4 million due to advancements in medical procedures and the increasing adoption of adhesives in surgical applications. Furthermore, government incentives to promote local manufacturing and sustainable packaging will accelerate the adhesive market in the UAE.
Consultant at Nexdigm In their latest publication “UAE Adhesive Market Outlook to 2030: By Type (Synthetics, Natural), By Technology (Water-Based, Solvent-Based, Hot melt, Reactive, Silicone, UV cured, Others), and By Form (Paste, Liquid, Film, Others)” believe that investing in low-emission and sustainable adhesives along with developing customized solutions for high-growth segments can yield growth in UAE adhesives market.