Geotextiles and geogrids market to grow in UAE and GCC to 2019

Geotextiles and geogrids are types of geosynthetic materials. Geotextiles are made from natural or synthetic fibers, while geogrids are typically made of polymeric fabrics such as polypropylene, polyethylene and polyester. These materials are primarily used for soil reinforcement and have a wide application in several civil and engineering purposes such as landscaping and roadway construction. In addition, geotextiles are used for performing various functions such as separation, drainage, filtration, erosion control and protection. Geotextiles and geogrids can be used separately. However, due to the sandy geography in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), these materials are used together to amplify their soil reinforcement properties in several applications such as road construction, landscaping, railroad construction, residential and non-residential construction and architecture. As per Research and Markets, factors such as focus of the government on the development of ‘Gulf Railway’ are expected to be one of the primary factors driving the demand for geogrids and geotextiles in the GCC region over the next few years. In addition, focus on road infrastructure development by various national governments and consequently several ongoing and upcoming projects are expected to boost the geogrid and geotextiles market in this region within the forecast period. Several existing and new tenders are being issued by regulatory bodies regarding application of geotextiles and geogrids for drainage, erosion control and construction purposes. However, fluctuating prices of raw materials such as polypropylene is expected to hamper the growth of the market. Rising consumer awareness regarding the development of geotextiles made using natural fibers is expected to open new opportunities for the growth of the market in this region in the near future. Nonwovens were the largest product type within the geotextile market segment in GCC (excluding UAE) and accounted for over 65% of the market share in 2012, owing to its extensive use in road construction and drainage sub-systems, as per Research and Markets. Rising infrastructural activities in GCC countries, particularly road and drainage systems, is expected to drive the demand for nonwoven geotextiles within the forecast period. It is expected to witness the fastest growth in this region over the next few years. In addition, these fabrics are easily available and cheaper as compared to other types of geotextiles. Similarly, demand for nonwoven geotextiles was highest in UAE in 2012 accounting for over 65% of the market share. Rapid infrastructural development led to the growth of this market over the past few years and the trend is expected to continue within the forecast period. Innovation in usage of geotextiles in sub-system drainage systems is expected to contribute to the rising demand for geotextiles.