United Arab Emirates imports Sand primarily from: Saudi Arabia ($29.3M), Oman ($9.95M), Egypt ($4.2M), Belgium ($608k), and China ($327k). The fastest growing import markets in Sand for United Arab Emirates between 2020 and 2021 were Saudi Arabia ($6.23M), France ($136k), and Germany ($133k).

There are a few reasons why sand was brought from overseas to build up Dubai’s landmass and its islands, instead of just using local desert sand.

Desert sand is too smooth. Desert sand is made up of very small, smooth grains that are not well-suited for construction. This is because the grains are not interlocking, which makes them more likely to shift and erode. This can be a problem for buildings and other structures, as it can lead to cracks and other damage.

Marine sand is more compact. Marine sand is made up of larger, more angular grains that are better suited for construction. This is because the grains are interlocking, which makes them more stable and less likely to shift or erode. This makes marine sand a more reliable material for building materials, as it is less likely to cause problems down the road.

It is easier to get. Desert sand is often difficult to access, as it is buried under layers of rock and other debris. Marine sand, on the other hand, is often found in shallow water, which makes it easier to extract. This makes marine sand a more cost-effective construction material.

As a result of these factors, Dubai has chosen to import sand from overseas for its construction projects. This has allowed the city to build some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, such as the Burj Khalifa and the Palm Jumeirah.

It is important to note that there are some environmental concerns associated with importing sand. For example, the dredging of sand can damage coral reefs and other marine ecosystems. However, Dubai has taken steps to mitigate these concerns, such as using recycled sand and conducting environmental impact assessments.