Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Market Size Analysis Report - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Market Share

Market Analysis by Form

Extensive applications of wet sand, aid silica sand demand. 

• Washed wet silica sand undergoes significant processing using advanced technology. It is widely used in foundry, casting, alloys, glass, oil and gas, stamped concrete, water filtration, and sand plastering. 
• In its 2023 budget, Saudi Arabia’s National Water Company (NWC) has allocated around USD 20 billion for 1,218 water distribution projects, USD 20.32 billion for 857 wastewater collection projects, and USD 3.29 billion for 86 wastewater treatment plant projects.

Expanding end-use sectors provide an opportunity for dry silica sand:

• Dry silica sand is deployed in a wide variety of markets such as dry mortars, ceramics, construction, and sports facilities. 
• Saudi Arabia is experiencing a massive boom in construction projects due to it strong economic position and development of its urban areas, significantly boosting the Saudi Arabia silica sand market expansion. Saudi Arabia’s total construction output value is forecast to increase by 30% by 2028 from 2023 levels.

Market Analysis by Type

As per the Saudi Arabia silica sand market analysis, Jafurah is Saudi Arabia’s largest unconventional non-oil associated gas field, and it is potentially the biggest shale gas development outside of the United States. In February 2024, an additional 15 trillion standard cubic feet of gas was proven at the Jafurah field, with total reserves at Jafurah reaching 229 trillion cubic feet of gas and 75 billion barrels of condensates. 

In August 2024, the National Company for Glass Industries (Zoujaj) announced that its subsidiary, Saudi Guardian International Float Glass Company (Gulf Guard), has approved a plan to build a float and insulating glass factory, estimated at USD 215 million. The Gulf Guard 2 plant will be located in the Royal Jubail Industrial Commission and is expected to have a production capacity of 750 tonnes per day.

Market Analysis by Application

For glass production, silica sand must have a chemical purity of 95% SiO2, precise grain size ranging between 0.075mm and 1.18mm, and specific colour requirements. In October 2024, Saudi Arabia's Obeikan Glass Company has announced the development of a second float glass production line at Yanbu facility, with a production capacity of 650 tonnes per day.

As per the Saudi Arabia silica sand market report, silica sand is a key proppant in hydraulic fracturing, used to extract oil and gas from deep rock formations. Superior quality frac sand is characterised by high purity, round shape for smooth transport, and durability to resist crushing forces. In July 2024, Saudi Aramco awarded USD 25 billion in contracts to boost the Jafurah Shale gas production and expand the Master Gas System, targeting a 60% increase in Saudi Arabia's gas output by 2030, compared to 2021 levels.

Silica sand is a vital component in construction materials like cement, flooring, asphalt, and mortars, boosting their strength and durability. In 2023, Saudi Arabia had an installed cement capacity of 85 million tonnes per year with around 17 producers operating 22 active cement plants. Key producers include Saudi Cement, Southern Province Cement, Yanbu Cement, and Yamama Cement. 

Silica sand's high melting point make it ideal for foundries, as it can withstand extreme heat and preserves moulds for quality casting. In January 2022, Doosan Heavy Industries and Construction Co., signed a preliminary agreement to build Saudi’s largest steel castings and forgings plant. It will have an annual capacity of 60,000 tons once completed in Q1 2025.

Silica sand's high purity and low levels of clay, silt, and organic matter make it an excellent water filtration medium, ensuring clean output. Its durability under high pressure, enables the long-term use of silica sand, cutting replacement needs, and minimising the maintenance costs. Such properties are favouring the Saudi Arabia silica sand market.

An expanding chemical sector in Saudi Arabia, drives the demand for silica sand. As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s chemical sector aims to contribute USD 121 billion to the country’s GDP by 2030, up from USD 95 billion in 2023. This growth will be driven by investments in crude-to-chemicals (COTC) projects, downstream diversification, and sustainability-focused innovations.

Silica sand enhances paint durability and finish, serving as a key filler to boost tint strength and dirt resistance. Its oil-absorbing qualities create a pigment-rich, resilient coating, making it ideal for wear-resistant applications in paints and coatings.

Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Market Report Snapshots

Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Market Size

Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Market Share

Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Market Growth

Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Market Trends

Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Companies