The paint and coatings markets of the Gulf countries and Egypt remain stable with a positive outlook, driven by strong economic growth and large-scale residential and infrastructure projects. The region continues to present major opportunities for both local and international manufacturers.

Among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia remains the most active market, followed by the UAE. Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman are currently stable but expected to see renewed activity in the coming period, according to Christopher Sharkey, Director of Infrastructure Sales, Middle East, at Danish coatings major Hempel.

Qatar, which experienced a construction boom ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 2022, has seen a moderation in coatings sales, although infrastructure developments such as the Doha Metro expansion and new energy projects continue to support demand for protective coatings.

These opportunities and emerging trends will be central topics at the Middle East Coatings Show 2026, organized by the Coatings Group and taking place from 14-16 April at the North Halls, Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo City Dubai. The Coatings Group notes that this established event enables manufacturers, raw material suppliers, distributors, buyers and technical specialists to meet face-to-face, exchange ideas and explore new business opportunities. More than 5,000 visitors and over 350 exhibitors from 24 countries are expected, alongside at least 20 expert presentations.

“The UAE is a very strong market,” said Sharkey. The World Bank forecasts GDP growth of 4.6% in 2025, supported by high oil revenues and a robust non-oil sector. With a population of 11.35 million and a buoyant real estate market, decorative paint and protective coatings sales continue to perform well (1).

According to the US-based IMARC Group, the UAE paints and coatings market was valued at USD 1.06 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1.66 billion by 2033. Euromonitor International estimated decorative paint sales grew by 6.1% to AED 115.5 million (USD 314 million) in 2024 and forecasts continued growth of 6.4% annually, reaching AED 130.9 million (USD 356 million) in 2026 (2,3).

The UAE’s expanding manufacturing and logistics sectors are driving additional demand for protective and industrial coatings, especially from petrochemical facilities and pre-engineered building fabricators. “There is growing demand for warehouses for export to Africa and the USA, with coatings often applied in the UAE,” Sharkey added.

Upcoming projects such as the Etihad Rail network linking Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, and new metro developments are expected to stimulate coatings demand. Across Dubai, residential and high-rise developments, including The Island, Dubai Islands, The Wilds, Palm Jebel Ali, Burj Azizi, Mercedes-Benz Places, Bugatti Residences and Dubai Creek Tower, are contributing to sustained growth. Major developments continue in other Emirates as well, such as Aljada Smart City in Sharjah, Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah and Sobha Siniya Island in Umm Al Quwain (4,5,6,7,8,9).

In Abu Dhabi, 12,309 structures were completed in the first half of 2025, and over 30 million square metres of new gross floor area was approved, a 133% year-on-year increase. The government is prioritising new residential communities for Emirati citizens, with AED 106 billion (USD 28.8 billion) allocated to 42 projects delivering more than 40,000 homes (10,11,12).

Demand for paint remains strong across decorative, industrial and protective categories. “More demanding specifications, particularly for the region’s climate and landmark projects, require higher quality coatings,” said Sharkey.

With the widespread adoption of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in the UAE, sustainable coatings with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are in high demand. “We are now supplying more sustainable coating systems than a few years ago, and this trend will continue as green building standards gain momentum” added Sharkey.

Market leaders and developments
According to Mordor Intelligence, the UAE market is led by Jotun, with Hempel, AkzoNobel and Sigma also holding strong positions. India’s Asian Paints recently approved an AED 140 million (USD 38.1 million) investment for a new 100,000-square-metre facility in Khalifa Economic Zones, Abu Dhabi, with an annual production capacity of 55,800 kilolitres. Other major regional players include Saudi Arabia-based Jazeera Paints and UAE-based National Paints, both active in local and regional markets (13,14).

Saudi Arabia- Regional powerhouse
Saudi Arabia remains the largest coatings market in the GCC, with the World Bank forecasting 4.6% GDP growth for 2025. While plans for some large-scale developments have been adjusted, major infrastructure, housing and tourism projects, including Qiddiya, Amaala and the new King Salman International Airport, are continuing. The National Housing Company plans to deliver 300,000 housing units by the end of 2026 and an additional 600,000 by 2030, aiming to lift home ownership to 70% (15,16).

Revenues from the Saudi paint and coatings market are projected to grow from USD 1.61 billion in 2025 to USD 2.14 billion by 2034, although some estimates place the market value significantly higher. Rising investment in housing, transport, renewable energy and tourism continues to support market expansion under the country’s economic diversification strategy (17).

“The government is undertaking significant housing projects, and we are supplying coatings for many of these developments,” said Mohammed Abdullah, Procurement Advisor at Jazeera Paints. The company is also investing in industrial paint production, automation and R&D to cater to growing demand in the protective coatings segment (18).

While decorative paints remain popular, value-conscious consumer behaviour has increased demand for multifunctional water-based coatings with features such as washability, stain resistance, fire protection and low VOCs. Although environmental standards are not yet mandatory, many manufacturers voluntarily adhere to international guidelines to enhance product appeal for major projects.

Egypt- Expanding market with export potential

Egypt remains one of the region’s largest and fastest-growing construction markets, with projects valued at USD 565.5 billion, of which USD 120 billion are currently under way, according to Knight Frank. Developments such as the New Administrative Capital, New Alamein and New Mansoura cities are key demand drivers, alongside large-scale housing initiatives for the country’s growing population of 108 million (19,20).

Egypt’s strategic location and trade links are also strengthening its role as an export base for paints and coatings to Europe, Africa and beyond.

New market opportunities
Emerging reconstruction and redevelopment activities across the wider region are likely to create fresh opportunities for coatings suppliers. Industry players expect sustained growth momentum as the sector continues to evolve in 2026 and beyond.

By Paul Cochrane