Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates import sand from Australia and other countries for construction, as desert sand is not suitable for concrete production.

Arab countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are investing billions in urban development projects, but they are facing an unexpected problem: the need to import sand for construction. Although their deserts are rich in sand, the grains are too round and smooth to be used in concrete, which requires sand with angular grains to ensure the necessary adhesion. This situation has led to a dependence on imported sand, especially from Australia, which has become the second largest exporter of construction sand.

Major projects, such as NEOM and Burj Khalifa, require high-quality sand, which desert sand cannot provide. Additionally, the UN warns of a global sand crisis caused by unregulated extraction, which affects the environment. In response, some countries are exploring alternatives, such as manufactured sand and recycling construction waste, and Saudi Arabia is considering innovations to reduce dependence on imports.