UAE Nonwoven Fabric Market Overview, 2030

The nonwoven fabrics market in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has experienced significant growth due to evolving industry needs, technological advancements, and increasing demand for hygiene products. Initially, nonwoven fabrics were introduced to address challenges in hygiene and healthcare, providing efficient, cost-effective, and versatile solutions. These fabrics gained traction in the early 2000s when the UAE recognized their potential to replace traditional woven materials, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, automotive, and agriculture. The growing need for disposable products, including surgical gowns, face masks, and hygiene items like diapers and sanitary napkins, was a major driving force behind this transition. Nonwoven fabrics, made by bonding fibers through mechanical, thermal, or chemical processes, have become indispensable in applications requiring lightweight, durable, and disposable materials. With the UAE’s expanding healthcare sector, nonwoven fabrics have become crucial for infection control, offering solutions like surgical drapes, masks, and gloves. The surge in demand for these materials was further fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic, which amplified awareness of hygiene and infection prevention across industries. Moreover, the UAE's rapidly developing economy and population growth contributed to a stronger need for cost-effective, high-quality, and mass-produced nonwoven products. Despite early challenges, such as the limited local production of raw materials, the UAE’s adoption of nonwoven fabrics has accelerated, driven by global technological advancements and partnerships with international manufacturers. Government initiatives like “UAE Vision 2021,” aimed at enhancing healthcare and manufacturing infrastructure, have played a critical role in supporting the sector. These policies and investments in research and development have led to significant advancements in production technologies, making the UAE a competitive player in the global nonwoven fabric market. The country’s strategic position as a regional hub for trade and innovation has facilitated the adoption of global best practices, allowing local companies to produce nonwoven fabrics that meet international standards. Furthermore, sustainability efforts are influencing the market, with an increasing focus on environmentally friendly manufacturing processes for nonwoven fabrics.

According to the research report, "UAE Nonwoven Fabric Market Overview, 2030," published by Bonafide Research, the UAE nonwoven fabric market is anticipated to grow at more than 7.58% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The market growth is driven by increasing demand across various sectors such as healthcare, hygiene, automotive, and construction. Initially facing supply chain disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the market witnessed a surge in demand for personal protective equipment, including face masks and medical gowns, highlighting the importance of nonwoven fabrics in crisis situations. While the pandemic presented challenges, it also accelerated local production and supply chain adjustments, especially with a focus on reducing reliance on imported raw materials. Major players such as Mogul Nonwovens, Al Ghadeer Group, and Union Petrochemical LLC are leading the market by offering innovative, high-quality products tailored to the diverse needs of the UAE's industries, particularly healthcare and automotive. New entrants are focusing on sustainable, eco-friendly nonwoven options to meet growing environmental concerns, while established players continue to dominate by leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies and efficient distribution networks. Additionally, raw material and machinery suppliers play a vital role in ensuring the market's smooth operation, supporting manufacturers with essential resources and innovations. The regions of Dubai and Sharjah have emerged as key manufacturing hubs, driving industrial growth through investments in advanced technologies and expanding demand in sectors such as construction and medical textiles. As the UAE's economy strengthens, continued advancements in research and development, along with a focus on sustainable practices, are expected to further boost the growth of the nonwoven fabric market, cementing its position in the regional and global market.

In the UAE, non-woven fabrics are primarily produced using several polymers, each selected for its specific benefits in diverse applications. Polypropylene (PP) is the most commonly used material, particularly due to its excellent balance of cost-effectiveness, versatility, and durability. This polymer is widely used in hygiene products such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and medical textiles, which are key drivers of the UAE nonwoven fabric market. The low cost, high strength, and ease of manufacturing make polypropylene the preferred choice in these sectors. Polyethylene (PE), known for its moisture resistance and flexibility, is frequently utilized in the production of disposable medical garments, covers, and protective wear in the UAE’s rapidly expanding healthcare industry. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), which offers superior strength and durability, is commonly used in filtration and medical applications. As the demand for healthcare products increases in the UAE, PET’s use has grown, especially for air and water filtration systems and medical protective gear. Wood Pulp, a natural and biodegradable material, has become increasingly popular in eco-conscious applications. In the UAE, the shift toward sustainability has led to increased use of wood pulp-based nonwoven fabrics in products like hygiene wipes and facial masks. Lastly, Rayon, a soft, absorbent fiber, is utilized for personal care products like surgical drapes and medical textiles. Polypropylene dominates the UAE market due to its cost-efficiency, but PET and wood pulp are expected to see a surge in usage due to growing sustainability trends and the need for stronger, more durable fabrics. The increasing demand for nonwoven fabrics in hygiene, medical, and sustainable products presents significant growth opportunities for these materials in the UAE over the coming years.

The technology employed in producing nonwoven fabrics plays a crucial role in determining their functionality and suitability for various applications in the UAE market. Spunbond is the most widely used method, especially for the production of nonwovens in hygiene, medical, and automotive sectors. Spunbond involves extruding polymer filaments, which are then bonded together using heat and pressure, creating durable, lightweight, and strong fabrics. This process is particularly efficient and cost-effective, making it ideal for the UAE market, where rapid production is essential. Wet Laid technology, in which fibers are suspended in water and laid onto a substrate, is used to produce nonwoven fabrics with high absorbency. This method is commonly used for wipes, sanitary products, and medical textiles in the UAE, where hygiene standards are critical. Dry Laid involves layering dry fibers on a moving conveyor belt, followed by bonding through heat or mechanical pressure. This method is increasingly popular in the UAE for products requiring higher strength, such as insulation materials and geotextiles. Air Laid technology, in which air currents are used to deposit fibers, is gaining traction in the UAE due to its ability to produce high-absorbency nonwoven fabrics, which are used in products like absorbent pads and sanitary napkins. Spunbond remains the dominant technology in the UAE market, particularly due to its lower cost and efficiency in mass production. However, technologies like Wet Laid, Dry Laid, and Air Laid are also witnessing increasing demand due to their specific advantages, such as greater softness, absorbency, and eco-friendly properties. These technologies are expected to grow rapidly, particularly as demand for sustainable and high-performance nonwoven fabrics in the UAE increases.

In the UAE, nonwoven fabrics are used in a variety of applications across industries such as hygiene, medical, filtration, automotive, and construction. The hygiene industry is the largest consumer of nonwoven fabrics, particularly in the production of disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, and adult incontinence products. Nonwoven fabrics, especially those made from polypropylene, are preferred due to their absorbency, softness, and cost-effectiveness, making them ideal for high-volume, low-cost applications. The medical sector in the UAE also heavily relies on nonwoven fabrics for disposable surgical gowns, masks, drapes, and wound care products. Nonwoven materials like Spunbond and Meltblown, especially polypropylene, are crucial for these applications due to their barrier protection and infection control properties, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Filtration applications in the UAE are growing, with nonwoven fabrics made from materials like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) used in air and water filtration systems. These fabrics provide excellent filtration performance, trapping particles and offering durability and resistance to clogging. The automotive industry in the UAE uses nonwoven fabrics in components such as seat covers, soundproofing materials, and insulation. The lightweight nature of nonwoven fabrics and their ability to provide thermal and acoustic insulation make them an ideal choice for automotive manufacturers looking to reduce weight while maintaining performance. The construction sector in the UAE also utilizes nonwoven fabrics for geotextiles, roofing materials, and wall coverings, especially in the rapidly expanding urban areas. Nonwoven fabrics are favored in these applications for their durability, water resistance, and ability to perform in harsh environments. The demand for nonwoven fabrics in the UAE is growing rapidly across these sectors, driven by the country’s expanding infrastructure, healthcare needs, and emphasis on hygiene. While hygiene and medical sectors are the largest contributors to the market, there is a growing opportunity in the automotive and construction industries, where nonwoven fabrics offer cost-effective, versatile, and sustainable solutions.



Considered in the report:
• Estimated Year: 2025
• Base year: 2024
• Historical year: 2019
• Forecasted year: 2030

Aspects covered in the report:
• Market Size by Value for the period (2019-2030F)
• Market Share by Polymer Type
• Market Share by Function
• Market Share by Technology
• Market Share by Application
• Market Share by Region
• Market Share by Company

By Polymer Type
• Polypropylene
• Polyethylene
• Polyethylene Terephthalate
• Wood Pulp
• Rayon
• Others

By Application
• Hygiene
• Medical
• Filtration
• Automotive
• Building & Construction
• Others

By Function
• Disposable
• Durables

By Technology
• Spunbond
• Wet Laid
• Dry Laid
• Air Laid

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Nonwoven Fabric Industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.