Dubai Investments' Glass Companies Achieve Significant Growth

Dubai Investments, a major diversified investment powerhouse listed on the Dubai Financial Market, has reported impressive growth in its glass manufacturing businesses for 2024. The company’s glass subsidiary, Glass LLC, surpassed a production milestone of 14.8 million square meters, underscoring its strategic emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and rising demand from landmark regional developments.

Consolidated Strength Under Glass LLC

Glass LLC serves as the central pillar of Dubai Investments’ glass operations, bringing together three key subsidiaries, Emirates Glass (EG), Emirates Float Glass (EFG), and Saudi American Glass (SAG). Together, these entities form a vertically integrated ecosystem that addresses the needs of a wide array of sectors, including construction, transportation, energy, and architectural design across the region.

“The glass sector is a cornerstone of Dubai Investments’ industrial platform, driving significant growth and reinforcing the Group’s leadership in the GCC’s high-performance materials market. As the region advances through mega projects and places greater emphasis on sustainability, Dubai Investments’ glass businesses are well-positioned to lead through innovation and product excellence. Continuous investments in cutting-edge technologies are sharpening the Group’s competitive edge, enabling it to meet evolving industry needs while laying a strong foundation for long-term market leadership,” said Abdulaziz Bin Yagub Al Serkal, CEO, Industrial Platform, Dubai Investments.

Emirates Float Glass Hits Full Production Capacity

Emirates Float Glass marked a significant milestone in 2024 by operating at full capacity and delivering over 12.6 million square meters of float glass across five continents. As the only company in the GCC offering a complete suite of float glass products, EFG’s range includes Clear Glass, Body Tinted Glass, and both online and offline Reflective Glass, alongside energy-efficient Low-Emissivity (Low-E) Glass, an increasingly preferred choice for sustainable construction.

Recognition and National Contribution

EFG holds a unique position as the UAE’s only ICV-certified glass manufacturer and has earned a place on Abu Dhabi’s prestigious Golden List, curated by the Industrial Development Bureau and the Department of Government Support. This recognition highlights EFG’s meaningful contribution to the UAE’s economy, particularly through its involvement in national programs such as the Projects of the 50 and the Abu Dhabi Local Content initiative. Its strong ICV score further reinforces its alignment with the UAE’s goals for local manufacturing and skilled workforce development.

Emirates Glass Ramps Up Output and Innovation

Emirates Glass recorded an 8% increase in annual production, contributing more than 1.3 million square meters in 2024. The company saw a significant spike in monthly output, with December witnessing a 28% surge. To meet growing demand, EG enhanced its processing capabilities by adding advanced jumbo glass lines for cutting, tempering, seaming, and lamination. The company also expanded its Bullet Resistant Glass output by 15% and introduced Intertek-certified fire-rated glass. In a move to cater to bespoke architectural needs, a precision Glass Digital Printing unit was also commissioned.

Saudi American Glass Achieves Best-Ever Performance

Saudi American Glass delivered its strongest performance to date with over 927,000 square meters produced, reflecting a 13% year-on-year increase. Much of this growth was driven by soaring demand for digitally printed glass used in architectural applications, which jumped by 48%. Looking ahead, SAG anticipates an additional 57% growth in 2025, bolstered by the momentum of its new design-focused brand, Elite Vitrage. This brand specializes in premium artistic glass tailored for sophisticated interior solutions.

Market Drivers: Mega Projects and Sustainable Design

The surge in output across Glass LLC’s portfolio is strongly tied to infrastructure megaprojects unfolding across the GCC, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. As developers increasingly prioritize sustainable design and energy efficiency, demand has risen for solar control and Low-E coated glass. The expanding use of façade and curtain walling systems in commercial and high-rise buildings further fuels this upward trend.

“Together, the companies under Glass LLC export to over 35 countries, with key markets including the GCC, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Emirates Glass and SAG are seeing sustained demand for double-glazed, laminated, and custom-coated units, while Emirates Float Glass anchors the supply chain as one of the region’s most technologically advanced float glass facilities”, added Abdulaziz Bin Yagub Al Serkal.

Future Outlook: Investment in Technology and Capacity

To meet future demand and maintain its competitive edge, Glass LLC is actively investing in automation, capacity upgrades, and next-generation glass technologies. These initiatives are closely aligned with strategic regional agendas, including Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 goals. With these foundations, Dubai Investments is poised to continue its leadership in glass innovation and sustainable manufacturing.