Dubai Welcomes IGMS 2026 Amidst Soaring Regional Demand for Smart Glass Technology
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is gearing up to host the International Glass Manufacturing Show (IGMS 2026) from April 13 to 15 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This highly anticipated event is set to reaffirm Dubai's position as a global hub for the glass and advanced construction industries.
With an expected attendance of approximately 17,000 visitors, IGMS 2026 promises to be the largest event of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa. The show will include industry professionals, buyers, and decision-makers, providing a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and business opportunities.
The glass sector in the region is experiencing rapid expansion due to urban development, green building initiatives, and rising demand for energy-efficient materials. This growth is particularly evident in the UAE, where the silica sand sector is growing at an annual rate of over 5%. The UAE, specifically Dubai, boasts abundant high-purity silica sand resources, making it a key player in the global glass manufacturing industry.
IGMS 2026 is dedicated to the full spectrum of the glass industry, from raw materials like silica sand to the latest innovations in glass processing and finishing. The show will feature a dedicated industry conference, innovation awards, high-level panels, and targeted B2B meetings.
Moreover, the event aims to function as a strategic gateway for businesses targeting expansion across Africa and Asia. A key highlight at IGMS 2026 is the Regional National Programme, providing support for companies from the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, and Bahrain.
Governments across the region are tightening environmental standards, boosting interest in smart and sustainable glass solutions. This shift towards eco-friendly practices aligns with the UAE's commitment to sustainable development and its ambition to become a global leader in this area.
The predicted growth of the UAE's silica sand sector and regional flat glass demand by 2031 is promising. The flat glass market in the Middle East and Africa was valued at USD 8.5 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to grow to approximately USD 15 billion by 2031. The GCC silica sand market, valued at approximately USD 426 million in 2024, is projected to reach USD 776.5 million by 2033.
Dubai's strategic location and robust logistics infrastructure make it a key global trade hub for glass manufacturing. With IGMS 2026, the city is set to further cement its position as a leading player in the global glass and advanced construction industries.
[References] [1] MarketWatch. (2022). Middle East and Africa Flat Glass Market to Reach USD 15 Billion by 2031. Retrieved from https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/middle-east-and-africa-flat-glass-market-to-reach-usd-15-billion-by-2031-2022-09-20 [2] GlobeNewswire. (2022). The Middle East and Africa Flat Glass Market is Projected to Reach USD 15 Billion by 2031. Retrieved from https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/09/20/2526952/0/en/The-Middle-East-and-Africa-Flat-Glass-Market-is-Projected-to-Reach-USD-15-Billion-by-2031.html [3] Zion Market Research. (2021). Middle East and Africa Flat Glass Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth, Analysis, and Forecast 2021-2030. Retrieved from https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/middle-east-and-africa-flat-glass-market [4] ResearchAndMarkets.com. (2021). Middle East and Africa Flat Glass Market - Growing at a CAGR of 6.45% During 2021-2028. Retrieved from https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5303286/middle-east-and-africa-flat-glass-market-growing-at
- The glass manufacturing industry in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is flourishing due to urban development, green building initiatives, and rising demand for energy-efficient materials, thus positioning it as a global hub for the glass and advanced construction industries.
- IGMS 2026, set to take place from April 13 to 15 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will serve as a platform for industry professionals, buyers, and decision-makers to network, share knowledge, and explore business opportunities.
- The upcoming event aims to function as a strategic gateway for businesses targeting expansion across Africa and Asia, with a Regional National Programme providing support for companies from the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, and Bahrain.
- With the growth of the UAE's silica sand sector and regional flat glass demand, the predicted market value for flat glass in Middle East and Africa is anticipated to reach USD 15 billion by 2031.
- To align with increasing environmental standards, innovation in smart and sustainable glass solutions is of paramount importance, contributing to the UAE's commitment to sustainable development and its ambition to become a global leader in this area.
