Valued at USD 203.3 million in 2022, the decorative laminates market in the GCC is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.23%, reaching USD 260.64 million by 2029. Growth is fueled by increased residential and commercial construction, along with rising demand for stylish, durable, and cost-effective interior materials. Laminates are increasingly replacing traditional veneers and coatings as part of wider economic diversification efforts under initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s infrastructure expansion.
Market Overview: Aesthetic, Durable, and Versatile
Decorative laminates are widely used in wall panels, furniture, cabinetry, and flooring, offering scratch, stain, and heat resistance with a sleek visual finish. Their appeal in commercial spaces—offices, hotels, retail outlets, and entertainment venues—is particularly strong amid the region’s booming hospitality and tourism sectors.
Key Growth Drivers
Residential Growth: Rapid urbanization in cities such as Riyadh, Dubai, and Doha is driving demand for new housing, boosting usage of laminates in interior applications like wall panels and furniture.
Major Construction Projects: The region’s robust pipeline of real estate developments—including hotels, airports, and smart cities—is increasing demand for high-performance decorative materials.
Shift from Traditional Materials: Compared to veneers and paints, laminates offer better durability, design flexibility, and affordability, accelerating their adoption.
Economic Diversification: National strategies focused on non-oil growth are stimulating investment in construction, opening new opportunities for laminate manufacturers.
Segment Insights
By Product Type: High-pressure laminates (HPL) dominate, favored in high-traffic commercial areas for their strength and abrasion resistance.
By Texture: Matte/suede finishes lead due to their ability to conceal scratches and deliver a modern aesthetic.
By Price Range: Mass-market laminates remain dominant, though premium options are gaining ground in luxury projects.
By Sector: Organized players hold the majority share thanks to efficient supply chains and innovation access; unorganized players face raw material challenges.
By Application: Wall panels are the top application segment, followed by furniture and cabinetry.
By End Use: Non-residential spaces such as hotels, offices, and malls dominate usage, though residential demand is steadily growing.
Regional Outlook
Saudi Arabia leads the market with large-scale projects like NEOM and Qiddiya, followed by the UAE, bolstered by hospitality and real estate investments in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Qatar and Kuwait are also seeing growth driven by retail, education, and healthcare development.
Competitive Landscape
Key players—including Greenlam Industries, Formica Corporation, Wilsonart, ATI Decorative Laminates, and EGGER Group—are expanding their regional footprint via local manufacturing, tailored design offerings, and strategic partnerships. Mergers, capacity expansion, and innovation in antibacterial and eco-friendly laminates are key to competitiveness.
Future Outlook
As design preferences shift toward minimalist, functional interiors and infrastructure projects surge, the GCC decorative laminates market is set for continued growth. Digitally printed, antimicrobial, and sustainable laminates are expected to define the next wave of innovation. Backed by government support and rising consumer demand, the industry is poised for a transformative decade ahead.
Source: Report Ocean
