Sustainability Moves Upstream in UAE and Oman’s Construction Sector

For building materials producers, 2025 highlighted the need to test decarbonization solutions under real operating conditions. Early carbon capture and mineralization initiatives in the region demonstrate how the industry can reduce emissions closer to the source.

At Holcim, this translated into advancing carbon capture and low-carbon material solutions through live projects and pilot programs, with a clear focus on scalability and performance under regional conditions. These efforts reflect a shift from theoretical approaches to practical deployment, with scale now being the primary constraint.

Circular construction has also expanded beyond niche applications. The reuse of construction and demolition materials is no longer viewed solely as a waste-management measure. Instead, it strengthens supply chains, reduces reliance on virgin materials, and lowers embodied carbon. When recycled materials meet established performance standards, they become an integral part of standard project delivery rather than an alternative.

Together, these developments reinforce a clear leadership lesson: sustainability depends on effective execution. Innovation scales only when the value chain trusts the data, the process, and the results. ESG-driven growth requires clear priorities, measurable outcomes, and consistent follow-through.

Looking ahead, sustainability will increasingly shape routine construction decisions in the UAE and Oman. Carbon capture will become a core decarbonization tool. Circular construction will be integrated into standard delivery models. Low-carbon materials will move toward the default specification. The current challenge is to balance growth, performance, and responsibility while setting practical benchmarks for these fast-growing markets.