Top 10 Cement Brands in the UAE for Reliable Construction
UAE's cement industry is a hub of local and international players, constantly innovating to meet the needs of the region's ever-changing construction landscape. The demand for high-quality cement will continue to grow due to the ongoing construction boom and government infrastructure projects. This exclusive guide highlights the top cement brands in the UAE and their popular products.
Top 10 Best Cement Brands in the UAE
- National Cement
- Lafarge Emirates Cement
- Fujairah Cement
- RAK Cement
- UltraTech Cement
- Union Cement
- Sharjah Cement
- Saint-Gobain Weber Cement
- Gulf Cement
- Jebel Ali Cement Co.
1. National Cement
National Cement, founded in 1968 under the patronage of the late His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Sayed Al Maktoum, pioneered the first major heavy industry venture in Dubai.
Today, it operates as a clinker grinding facility in Abu Dhabi with a yearly production capacity of 2 million tonnes.
As part of a joint venture with EIIC (Emirates International Investment Co), National Cement is 44% managed by the Holcim company, benefiting from its extensive expertise. The company also operates a 1.5 million-tonne-per-year cement plant in Dubai.
You can check National Cement’s products here.
Popular Products:
- Ordinary Portland Cement
- Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag
- Portland Blast Furnace Slag Cement
- Sulfate Resisting Portland Blast Furnace Slag Cement
- White Composite Cement
2. Lafarge Emirates Cement
Lafarge Emirates Cement, a joint venture between Dubai Holding LLC and the Fujairah government, is a prominent player in the UAE's cement industry.
As part of the Holcim Group, they leverage their global presence in 80 countries to deliver cutting-edge cement, concrete, and aggregate solutions.
Lafarge Emirates Cement prioritizes health, safety, and sustainability, boasting efficient business models and high-performing teams.
With its headquarters in Dubai and a cement plant in Fujairah, it caters to the needs of a diverse clientele across the region.
Popular Products:
- Ordinary Portland Cement
- Portland Limestone Cement
- Sulfate-Resisting Portland Cement
3. Fujairah Cement
Established in 1979, Fujairah Cement has secured a solid position among the top cement companies in the UAE.
JK Cement India owns this entity wholly, demonstrating their commitment to quality and innovation.
Over the years, the company has undergone several expansions, increasing its yearly production capacity to 1.5 million tonnes.
Notably, Fujairah Cement is the largest manufacturer of cement adhesives, tile adhesives & grouts, wall putty, and floor screed in the UAE, offering a comprehensive range of construction essentials.
Popular Products:
- White cement
- Wall putty
- Plasters and renders
- Water-resistant tile grout
- Floor screed
- Block mortars
4. RAK Cement
The Ras Al Khaimah Cement Company, founded in 1995, demonstrates the emirate's commitment to economic and social development.
Initially established for white cement and construction materials production, the company has expanded its offerings to include concrete blocks, lime, and various types of cement.
Notably, their RAK White Cement factory boasts a yearly production capacity of 610,000 tonnes.
RAK Cement ensures consistent quality across its product line by utilizing the finest raw materials available in Ras Al Khaimah and cutting-edge technology.
You can check the wide range of RAK cement products here.
Popular Products:
- Portland Cement
- Sulfate Resistant Portland Cement
- Masonry Cement
- Oil Well Cement
- Moderate Sulfate Resisting Cement
- Powercrete cement
5. UltraTech Cement
UltraTech Cement Limited, the Aditya Birla Group’s flagship cement company, is a global leader in building solutions.
The powerhouse cement company has an impressive USD 7.9 billion valuation. It is the largest manufacturer of grey cement, ready-mix concrete (RMC), and white cement in India.
Notably, UltraTech holds a unique distinction - it's the only cement company outside of China to possess a production capacity exceeding 100 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) within a single nation.
In the UAE, they have spread their operations across various locations. You can check the best-selling categories of UltraTech Cement here.
Popular Products:
- Grey Cement
- White Cement
- Concrete
- Building Products
- UltraTech Building Solutions
6. Union Cement
Union Cement (UC) is a pioneering cement manufacturer in the UAE.
As a subsidiary of Heidelberg Cement, it was founded in 1972 and started production in 1975.
The Norwell brand is produced exclusively by UC in the UAE and features API 10 A Class G (HSR) variety.
As the leading manufacturer, UC has experienced strong financial performance as the UAE's construction market thrives.
Popular Products:
- Ordinary Portland Cement
- Sulfate Resisting Cement
- Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag
- Oil Well Cement
- Portland Cement Clinker
7. Sharjah Cement
Established in 1977 under the management of APCEM Engineering Co Ltd, a Blue Circle Industries affiliate, the company has witnessed remarkable growth.
Sharjah's ruler founded the company in 1977, establishing it under an Emiri decree. It is a public joint stock company listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Market, Sharjah Cement Factory is on Sharjah-Dhaid Road, 25 kilometres east of Sharjah City. Construction of the plant began in 1977 under the supervision of APCEM Engineering Co.
The company sells multiple products in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, including the UAE. Additionally, it invests its surplus funds in investment securities, private equity, and real estate.
Popular Products:
- Portland Cements
- Sulfate-Resisting Portland Cement
- Moderate Sulfate-Resisting Portland Cement
- Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag
- Blast furnace Cement
- Oil Well Cement
8. Saint-Gobain Weber Cement
Saint-Gobain Weber, a subsidiary of the Saint-Gobain Group, has carved a niche as a leading manufacturer and supplier of construction materials in the UAE.
Saint-Gobain Weber boasts a strong presence across all significant emirates within the UAE. They operate a manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi and maintain robust distribution channels to reach various parts of the country. They also provide construction professionals with valuable technical support and expertise.
Their comprehensive product portfolio encompasses a variety of solutions. You can buy them from here.
Popular products:
- Tile & Stone Fixing Adhesives
- Concrete Repair Products
- Waterproofing Membranes & Coatings
- Wall Construction Solutions
9. Gulf Cement
The Gulf Cement Company, established in 1977 in Ras al-Khaimah, has an annual cement production capacity of 2.7 million tonnes.
Cement production commenced in 1981. The plant is notable for being the UAE's largest clinker producer.
Polysius AG and ThyssenKrupp contributed to this achievement by constructing a second kiln with a clinker capacity of 2.8 million tonnes per year between 2005 and 2006.
Consequently, the plant's overall clinker yearly production capacity is a staggering 3.8 million tonnes.
Popular Products:
- Sulfate Resisting Portland Cement
- Ordinary Portland Cement
- Moderate Sulfate Resisting Portland Cement
- Oil Well Cement
- Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag
10. Jebel Ali Cement Co.
Jebel Ali Cement boasts over three decades of experience and a strong focus on maintaining the highest quality standards.
Jebel Ali Cement Co., founded in 1978, is a leading manufacturer and supplier of cement based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Jebel Ali Cement Co. was initially founded to produce oil well cement. The company constructed a new ball mill in 1999 to further enhance its production capabilities.
It is known for its slag cement plant (GGBFS), producing ground granulated blast furnace slag alongside Ordinary Portland Cement.
Popular Products:
- Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
- Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS)
Choosing the Right Cement for Your Construction Project
Now that you know about the Top 10 Cement Brands in UAE, the next question is how to choose the best cement for you. Selecting the ideal cement for your UAE construction project is crucial for guaranteeing its strength, durability, and longevity. You need to focus on these five factors while selecting the best cement brand:
1. Understanding Cement Types:
The first step in your journey is to identify the most suitable type of cement that meets your project's specific requirements.
- Portland Limestone Cement (PLC)
PLC is a preferred choice in the UAE construction industry due to its superior benefits compared to OPC.
PLC offers improved resistance to cracking compared to OPC, especially in hot and dry climates prevalent in the UAE. This translates to longer-lasting structures that require less maintenance.
PLC also offers better workability, making it easier to mix, place, and finish. This translates to improved construction efficiency and potentially lower labour costs.
- Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
OPC is a widely used option, well-suited for general construction purposes, and offered in various strength grades.
- Sulfate Resistant Cement (SRC)
In regions with high sulphate content, particularly coastal areas, opting for Sulfate Resistant Cement (SRC) is imperative to counteract potential weakening effects.
In most construction projects, Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) is the preferred choice due to its durability and workability.
2. Location and Climate Considerations:
The project's location and the prevailing climate play a significant role in determining the most suitable cement.
PLC is an excellent choice for hot and dry regions like the UAE due to its lower heat of hydration and improved workability. It helps to minimize the risk of thermal cracking and allows for easier placement in high temperatures.
Conversely, areas experiencing frequent rainfall, like coastal regions, require Sulphate-Resistant Cement (SRC) to resist moisture and the detrimental effects of sulfate-rich soil.
3. Matching Cement to Construction Type:
The choice of cement for construction is dependent on the type of structure.
Residential buildings typically utilize PLC or OPC for adequate strength and workability. PLC's advantages in hot climates often make it the preferred choice.
Commercial buildings requiring more significant load-bearing capacity benefit from higher-grade OPC or blended cement like PLC.
Large-scale infrastructure projects, like bridges and dams, demand specialized cement with exceptional durability and superior compressive strength. Here also, PLC serves the purpose.
4. Balancing Budget and Value:
While budgetary considerations are essential, striking the right balance between affordability and long-term value is crucial.
Although higher-grade cements might come with a higher initial cost, they often translate to reduced maintenance and repair costs over time, leading to significant cost savings in the long run.
5. Brand Reputation: A Hallmark of Quality
Selecting a reputable cement brand with a proven track record of consistent quality is vital.
Renowned brands not only ensure reliable product performance but also offer valuable customer support should any issues arise during the construction process. It ensures peace of mind and access to expert assistance if needed.
Conclusion
Now, you have understood the diverse range of cement options available. With many reputable cement brands operating within the UAE, you can be confident in finding the perfect partner to support your building projects, laying the foundation for a successful and enduring project in this dynamic region.
Explore FEPY, the UAE's premier e-commerce destination for construction materials. It features a wide selection of leading cement brands and various types of cement, all available at competitive prices.
