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The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is home to some of the world’s most ambitious construction projects—high-rise developments, mega infrastructure, industrial facilities, and large mixed-use communities. In this environment, construction product procurement has evolved into a highly structured, data-driven process. For suppliers, contractors, and developers, understanding these procurement trends is critical to controlling cost, quality, and long-term asset performance.
For ibeam.ae, which focuses on construction and waterproofing materials, these trends clearly show why performance-driven products and system-based solutions are becoming the preferred choice across the region.
Historically, construction material procurement in MENA was largely price-led, especially during periods of aggressive project bidding. However, data from large and mega projects shows a strong shift toward value-based procurement, where decisions are influenced by:
Large developers and consultants now view low-quality materials as a financial risk, not a cost-saving measure. Even if a product represents a small portion of the total project value, its failure can result in expensive repairs, delays, and reputational damage.
Procurement data from large projects across UAE and MENA typically follows this spend pattern:
While waterproofing and protection materials represent a smaller percentage of the total cost, they are among the highest contributors to post-handover defects. This has significantly increased scrutiny during procurement stages.
One of the most notable procurement trends in MENA is the growing emphasis on waterproofing materials. Extreme temperatures, high humidity, salinity in coastal regions, and underground construction have made waterproofing failures both common and costly.
Large projects now specify complete waterproofing systems, not just individual products. These systems typically include:
Procurement teams increasingly evaluate waterproofing materials based on system compatibility, expected lifespan, and maintenance impact, rather than initial cost per square meter.
Data from large MENA projects shows a clear preference for locally manufactured construction products, especially for core materials and waterproofing systems.
Average procurement split by volume:
Local products are favored due to:
Imported products are still used for specialty applications, niche waterproofing systems, or where specific international approvals are required.
Large projects in MENA increasingly rely on bulk procurement strategies to control cost volatility and ensure uninterrupted supply. Common approaches include:
This approach reduces procurement risk and ensures consistency across different phases of the project. Suppliers that can maintain ready stock and predictable pricing gain a strong advantage in such procurement models.
In large-scale MENA projects, consultants play a decisive role in procurement. Industry data indicates that 70–80% of material selection decisions are influenced directly by consultant specifications.
Key factors consultants look for include:
For waterproofing and protection materials, consultants often prefer products that come with clear method statements, installation guidelines, and manufacturer support.
The MENA climate directly impacts how construction products perform. Procurement teams now account for:
Waterproofing materials, insulation products, and protective layers are evaluated based on how well they handle these conditions over time, not just during initial application.
For suppliers like ibeam.ae, these procurement trends highlight several key opportunities:
Suppliers that align with these expectations are more likely to be approved, specified, and repeatedly selected across large projects.
Construction product procurement in MENA has matured into a data-backed, risk-aware process shaped by large projects and demanding climatic conditions. Waterproofing and protection materials, once treated as secondary, are now recognized as critical components that directly affect asset life and maintenance costs.
For developers, contractors, and consultants, the message is clear: choosing the right construction products is a strategic decision. And for suppliers, success lies in delivering quality, consistency, and long-term performance—exactly where ibeam.ae positions itself in the market.
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