Dubai, UAE: Paper manufacturers in the UAE are adjusting their market strategies to prioritise domestic demand and neighbouring GCC countries, with a growing emphasis on supply chain resilience, regional opportunities and sustainable growth.
The UAE paper industry, valued at approximately US$2 billion according to industry figures presented at ProPaper Dubai 2026, is strengthening its focus on domestic and neighbouring GCC markets, with manufacturers prioritising regional opportunities and supply chain resilience.
The event was inaugurated by H.E. Fahad Al Gergawi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Foreign Trade, alongside H.E. Ibtisam Ali Al Saadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, and representatives from the paper industry.
Industry representatives highlighted the role of government measures, including Green Corridors and alternative supply routes, in maintaining trade flows amid disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.
Majid Rasheed, Managing Director of Star Paper Mill, said: “Our immediate priority is to serve the domestic UAE market, where our products have received a positive response in terms of quality, service and reliability of supply. We have also begun exporting to neighbouring GCC markets by road. However, road freight remains expensive, while sea exports are currently commercially unviable because of the prevailing logistics disruptions and elevated shipping costs.”
Hamad Abdulla Al Ghurair, SVP, Special Projects & Commercial, PURL by Al Ghurair, emphasised the importance of supply chain preparedness.
“This year, our supply chains have been tested as never before. And yet, the UAE’s supply chains continued to function. Our markets remained supplied, our economy continued to operate, and the country demonstrated remarkable resilience. That did not happen by chance. It was the result of decisions taken well before the crisis, as well as swift and coordinated action during it. Today, geography may define our challenges, but it does not have to define our limits,” he added.
Abdel Rhman Obaid, Group CEO of M.A.H.Y. Khoory & Co. Group, called for greater integration of resource recovery, manufacturing and material innovation.
“Initiatives such as Make it in the Emirates provide a strong foundation. But our ambition should extend beyond increasing manufacturing capacity. We should ask what materials capabilities our region needs to develop to compete in the industries of tomorrow. By connecting resource recovery, manufacturing and material innovation, we can build stronger industrial ecosystems and create greater regional value,” he said.
The industry’s strategic adjustment follows a period of growth in 2025, supported by e-commerce expansion and demand for paper-based packaging. Figures attributed to Grand View Research in the industry release indicate that Middle Eastern paper packaging demand grew by 5%, with market value reaching US$17.43 billion, compared with US$16.7 billion in 2024.
The renewed emphasis on domestic and regional markets reflects manufacturers’ efforts to strengthen local supply networks, maintain operational continuity and develop regional business opportunities.