Situated in the heart of the Middle East, the UAE has emerged as an architectural testament to modernity, opulent design, and urban expansion. Whether it is luxury villas in Dubai or avant-garde malls in Abu Dhabi, granite seems to dominate the development space, floor and facade, inside and outside. And as far as high-quality, durable, and good-looking granite is concerned, India is among the leading suppliers around the world, particularly on the sorts of projects in the UAE.
India–UAE Granite Trade: An Overview
A granite export giant for years, India is emerging as an extravagant natural resource, for instance, in the UAE construction and design industry.
According to a study done by Volza, between October 2023 and September 2024, as many as 2,503 granite consignments were delivered from India to the UAE, with the involvement of 167 Indian exporters and 252 UAE importers. There’s no refuting that in spite of a 50% drop in volume of shipments year on year, finished granite exports (graphic) remain the monopoly of the Indian granite industry.
Crucial Trade Figures
World Bank’s WITS Comtrade (2023) reports show:
- Under HS Code 251611 (Crude or Rough Granite):
➤ India exported 1,852 metric tons of granite worth US$334,890 to the UAE.
➤ Angola dominated the market with 2,241 tons, but India emerged as a strong contender.
➤ Source: WITS – Granite (HS 251611)
- Under HS Code 251612 (Worked Granite – Cut into Slabs/Blocks):
➤ India exported 50,825 metric tons worth over US$ 3.50 million to the UAE, far ahead of other countries such as Brazil (US$ 281,000).
➤ Source: WITS – Granite (HS 251612)
These numbers reflect a broader shift from raw material exports to value-added stone processing, showcasing India’s rising expertise in finished granite solutions.
What Makes Indian Granite So Popular in the UAE?
Indian granite’s rising popularity in the UAE is not just a coincidence. It emerges from an amazing combination of visual appeal, cost-effectiveness, and material pliability.
Wide-ranging Colors & Finishes
From Absolute Black, Black Galaxy, and Tan Brown to more exotic options like Vizag Blue and Ivory Brown, Indian granite manufacturers and exporters offer something unique for every design language—be it modern, traditional, or Islamic architecture.
UAE-based interior designers and developers understand the value of Indian granite, especially for projects that ask for custom colors, patterns, and finishes.
Durability For the Desert Climate
Indian granite takes shape under heavy pressure, making it superbly durable, weather-resistant, and non-porous—ideal for architectural pieces exposed to UAE’s extreme heat, sandstorms, and humidity.
It’s mainly used for:
- Flooring in commercial construction
- Cladding in high-rise structures
- Countertops in modern homes
- Pavements in public infrastructure
UAE’s Role as a Hub: Import, Use, Re-export
The UAE not only makes the use of Indian granite locally but also serves as a re-export hub to adjoining markets such as:
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Oman
- East Africa
This tactical role played by the UAE surges the demand for custom-sized, top-finished granite slabs—something Indian granite manufacturers and exporters are well prepared to deliver.
Market Trends and Buyer Preferences
🔹 Popular Sizes:
- 60×60 cm
- 80×240 cm
- Custom-sized countertops
🔹 In-Demand Finishes:
- Polished
- Flamed
- Leathered
🔹 Most Preferred Colors:
- Black (Absolute Black, Galaxy Black)
- Beige (Ivory Brown)
- White (Kashmir White)
- Blue/Grey tones (Vizag Blue)
With ongoing growth in luxury development and commercial construction, premium Indian granite products continue to be on the list of architects, real estate developers, and building contractors throughout the UAE.
From a global perspective: Dominance of India in the Granite business
India is the major exporter of raw granite (HS 251611) which has nearly 60% share in the world exports, valued at more than US$357 million in 2023 (Source: -TrendEconomy). This is colossal compared to Brazil exports (US$173M) and Norway (US$131M) and makes India by far the largest granite exporter.
Closing Thoughts: Well-Positioned for Further Growth
Although a 50% plunge in recent weeks in the export of goods to the UAE may indicate short-term trade de-alignment, prospects in this domain are bright. The Indian potential to provide tailor-made granite while maintaining high quality at competitive prices has remained a driving source of attraction for the UAE’s flourishing real estate and infrastructure industries.
And if they’re anything to go by, Indian granite will remain a foundation stone—figuratively and literally—of the UAE’s urban future, as architectural tastes shift to favour natural, sustainable and luxurious materials.