GCC Plasterboard Market Analysis by Product Type (Standard Plasterboard, Fire-Resistant Plasterboard, Moisture-Resistant Plasterboard, Fire & Moisture Resistant Plasterboard, Acoustic (Soundproof) Plasterboard, Impact-Resistant Plasterboard), Application and Sales Channel: Consumption (Tons), Pricing, Trends and Country Analysis and Forecast Till 2033

Market Overview

GCC Plasterboard Market recorded a sale of 4.5 million tons in 2024 and is estimated to reach a volume of 8.6 million tons by 2033 with a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period.

 
Stringent building and fire safety regulations, along with the rise of green building standards, are becoming key growth drivers for the plasterboard market in the GCC, particularly in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. These regions are experiencing rapid urbanization and a surge in high-rise construction, making the demand for plasterboard increasingly vital. In response to several notable fire incidents in densely populated areas, governments and municipal authorities in the GCC have significantly strengthened fire safety standards, resulting in the mandatory use of fire-resistant construction materials in various infrastructures such as commercial complexes, hospitals, airports, hotels, and high-rise residential towers. Consequently, fire-resistant plasterboards, particularly Type X boards that feature enhanced gypsum core density and glass fiber reinforcement, have shifted from optional choices to essential components in approved building designs. This regulatory compliance is boosting value growth within the GCC plasterboard market, as Type X and specialty boards can command higher prices compared to standard options.

At the same time, the push for green building compliance is altering material selection criteria in both public and private sector projects. Certification programs such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Estidama in the UAE, and Mostadam in Saudi Arabia are emphasizing sustainability metrics like recyclability, low embodied carbon, indoor air quality, and reduced volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions. 
Manufacturers of plasterboard are responding by innovating eco-friendly products made from recycled gypsum and employing energy-efficient production methods that incorporate low-VOC additives. This positions plasterboard as a more sustainable alternative to traditional wet construction techniques.

The trend towards sustainability is particularly prominent in government-led megaprojects, mixed-use developments, and premium commercial real estate projects, where adherence to certification standards directly affects project approvals and long-term asset values. Moreover, green regulations are promoting lightweight construction methods that minimize structural loads and construction waste, further favoring plasterboard systems over masonry alternatives. The intersection of fire safety mandates and sustainability regulations is broadening the application of plasterboard while shifting demand towards higher-margin, performance-enhanced products. Overall, these regulatory pressures are driving the industry towards engineered, certified, and compliant plasterboard systems, solidifying its position as an essential interior building material. In the medium term, the ongoing tightening of codes, along with regional net-zero targets and smart city initiatives, is anticipated to sustain strong regulatory-driven demand across the GCC plasterboard market.

Pricing Analysis

The pricing trajectory for the GCC plasterboard market from 2023 to 2033 demonstrates a cyclical yet progressively evolving pattern. This shift is influenced by changes in raw material costs, energy prices, supply–demand dynamics, and the intensity of construction activity throughout the region. In 2023 and 2024, average prices rose from USD 380 per ton to USD 390 per ton. This increase was primarily driven by post-pandemic cost inflation, high freight rates, and elevated energy input costs related to gypsum calcination and board manufacturing. This upward trend correlates with the regional recovery in construction and the recommencement of large-scale projects in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which temporarily strengthened demand-side pricing power.

 
The significant spike to USD 420 per ton in 2025 marks a peak pricing phase, driven by heightened pressure on construction material costs and a growing preference for high-value fire-rated and moisture-resistant boards, reflecting stricter building codes. However, starting in 2026, prices are expected to correct to USD 400 per ton, followed by a steady decline until 2029, when they could reach as low as USD 340 per ton. This downward trend indicates a normalization of global energy prices, easing logistics challenges, and an increase in regional production capacity as manufacturers in the GCC expand local facilities to lessen dependency on imports and transport costs.

Market reports highlight that the regional gypsum board sectors benefit from localized sourcing and economies of scale, which exert ongoing downward pressure on unit pricing during periods of surplus supply. A further decline to USD 330 per ton in 2030 is indicative of heightened competition among domestic producers and price-focused bidding in large government and infrastructure projects, where volume contracts can compress margins.

Importantly, the price recovery observed from 2031 to 2033, rising from USD 360 per ton to USD 420 per ton, points to a shift towards value-driven pricing rather than one solely based on cost factors. This recovery phase is likely supported by a growing share of specialty plasterboards, including fire-resistant, acoustic, and sustainable low-VOC options, which command premium pricing and are increasingly specified under green building standards. Additionally, long-term construction demand linked to initiatives such as Vision 2030, net-zero commitments, and smart city developments is expected to gradually restore balance to supply and demand fundamentals, facilitating selective price appreciation. Overall, the pricing curve reflects a transition from inflation-driven volatility to a more structured, specification-led pricing environment, with product mix optimization and regulatory compliance playing a critical role in influencing average plasterboard prices across the GCC region.

Segmental Analysis

The product-type market share distribution for plasterboard in the GCC illustrates a clear hierarchy of demand drivers and specification priorities, reflecting the region's increasing cost sensitivity and stringent performance requirements within the construction sector. Standard plasterboard maintains a dominant position with a 44.79% market share, indicating its enduring significance in residential housing, low-rise buildings, and budget-conscious interior fit-out projects. 
Despite increased regulatory scrutiny, standard boards continue to serve as the preferred option for non-critical applications due to their affordability, ease of installation, and broad availability, particularly in mass housing and private residential developments across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman.

 
However, the fact that standard plasterboard comprises less than half of the total demand highlights a significant structural shift towards higher-specification products. Fire-resistant plasterboard, commanding a notable 23.09% share, demonstrates the strong impact of stringent fire safety regulations in the GCC, particularly in commercial buildings, high-rise residential towers, hospitality properties, and public infrastructure. 
Compliance with civil defense norms and insurer mandates has transformed fire-rated boards from optional upgrades to essential specifications, which has greatly increased their adoption in comparison to global averages.

Moisture-resistant plasterboard holds a 14.11% market share, driven by the region's climatic conditions and high humidity levels. It is extensively utilized in kitchens, bathrooms, healthcare facilities, and hospitality interiors areas where mold resistance and durability are paramount. The presence of moisture-resistant boards aligns well with the regional focus on lifecycle performance and reduced maintenance costs in premium real estate developments.

The segment of fire and moisture-resistant plasterboard, while accounting for 8.11% of the market, is a rapidly growing hybrid category that addresses high-value applications, including hospitals, airports, mixed-use towers, and infrastructure projects, where multiple performance characteristics are essential. Although this segment is smaller in volume, it is strategically important for manufacturers due to higher profit margins and its increasing specification in government-led megaprojects.

Acoustic plasterboard, making up 6.90% of the demand, reflects a growing awareness of sound control and occupant comfort in offices, hotels, educational settings, and entertainment venues. 
This trend is particularly notable as GCC cities become more densely populated and mixed-use developments gain popularity. 
Although still a niche segment compared to fire-rated products, acoustic boards are emerging as a preferred choice as building standards evolve toward wellness-focused and premium interior environments.

Impact-resistant plasterboard accounts for the smallest share at 3.00%, indicating its specialized application in high-traffic and abuse-prone areas such as schools, corridors, healthcare facilities, and transportation hubs. Despite its limited volume contribution, this segment is expected to experience steady growth as public infrastructure investment increases and durability becomes a critical specification criterion.

Overall, the distribution of plasterboard types reveals that specialty boards collectively represent over 55% of the demand, signaling a decisive transition away from commodity products toward engineered, regulation-compliant solutions. This evolution in product mix highlights the maturity of the GCC plasterboard market, where regulatory enforcement, climatic challenges, and premium construction standards increasingly dictate demand, shaping competition toward innovation, certification, and value-added offerings rather than focusing solely on volume-driven growth.

Country Analysis

The distribution of market share across the GCC plasterboard sector reveals a highly concentrated demand structure, with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates together representing over 82% of the region's total consumption. Saudi Arabia leads the market, commanding a notable 60.15% share, which highlights the vast scale of its construction activities, large population, and numerous government-led megaprojects associated with its Vision 2030 initiative. The country’s ambitious residential housing programs, commercial developments, industrial zones, airports, healthcare facilities, and significant projects like NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya have catalyzed an increased demand for interior wall and ceiling solutions. 

Plasterboard is favored for its quick installation, adherence to fire safety regulations, and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, Saudi Arabia enjoys a robust domestic manufacturing capacity, enabling local producers to meet substantial demand at competitive prices while minimizing import reliance, thus solidifying its leading role in the GCC plasterboard market.

 
The United Arab Emirates holds the second-largest market share at 22.09%, propelled by its well-established real estate sector, a high density of commercial and hospitality establishments, and ongoing renovation and retrofit activities. Unlike the volume-driven demands in Saudi Arabia, the UAE market focuses on higher specification products, with a strong preference for fire-resistant, moisture-resistant, and acoustic plasterboards in high-rise towers, luxury hotels, offices, and mixed-use developments. This emphasis on specifications results in a higher value-per-ton profile, even with a smaller overall volume contribution.

Qatar captures 6.87% of the regional demand, buoyed by consistent infrastructure investments, public housing initiatives, and urban development projects following the FIFA World Cup, which continue to stimulate construction activities, though at a slower pace compared to the period before 2022. Kuwait, with a 5.11% market share, experiences steady demand driven by government housing projects and public infrastructure enhancements, where the adoption of plasterboard is gradually increasing as modern construction methods become more prevalent.

Oman, holding a 3.78% share, displays a more cautious construction environment, with demand mainly concentrated in tourism, hospitality, and selective industrial projects, often supported by imports from its GCC neighbors. Bahrain, representing the smallest share at 2.00%, faces limitations due to its geographic size and lower construction volumes; however, demand remains consistently stable in the residential and commercial renovation sectors.

Company Analysis

Key companies analyzed within the GCC plasterboard market are: Mada Gypsum Company, Gypsemna, Knauf, Saint-Gobain Gyproc, USG Zawawi Drywall, National Gypsum Company, Gulf Gypsum Products, Others.