United Arab Emirates Glass Packaging Market - Growth, Trends, COVID -19 Impact, Forecasts (2021 - 2026)

The United Arab Emirates Glass Packaging Market is expected to register a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period. With the outbreak of COVID-19, the country acting a medium for vaccine trials. For instance, in July 2020, China-based pharmaceutical company Sinopharm initiated Phase III clinical trial of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The trial is being conducted by Sinopharm’s China National Biotec Group (CNBG) in alliance with Abu Dhabi Government and Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence company G42 Healthcare. Such initiatives are expected to drive demand for glass packaging products in the country.

Key Highlights

• According to the World Health Organization, UAE dominates other countries around the Middle East when it comes to drinking, with per capita alcohol consumption of 3.8 liters (1 gallon) per person per year. The increase in per capita alcohol consumption is expected to create more glass packaging varieties.
• The pharmaceutical glass packaging market is expanding at a significant rate, owing to the growing demand for pharmaceutical products and technological advancements in the field. One of the considerable advantages of using glass packaging is its inert nature, as it does not react with its contents under most circumstances.
• An increased focus on natural skincare treatments, non-invasive beauty procedures, and the growing influence of beauty and lifestyle bloggers has contributed to steady growth in the UAE’s personal care sector. This is witnessing increased demand for glass packaging products in the country.
• The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention and Jafza, a DP World company, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector in the country. Under this agreement, the United Arab Emirates aims to attract more than 75 major pharmaceutical firms by 2021, from the current 54, with investments of up to AED 2 billion annually. Furthermore, the number of drug manufacturing factories is expected to grow, from 17 to 34, during the same period. The increase in pharmaceutical firms is expected to bring more glass packaging options to the country.

Key Market Trends

Glass Bottles and Containers Expected to Witness Significant Growth

• The United Arab Emirates imports pharmaceutical products from 72 countries. Major research-based pharmaceutical firms have a long-standing presence in the country through contract manufacturing or local distribution channels, creating a market opportunity for glass bottles and containers manufacturers.
• The IQVIA projected that pharmaceutical sales in the country are likely to reach USD 51 billion by 2024. Moreover, the increased awareness of the established benefits of using glass packaging for pharmaceutical products and healthcare facilities is driving the segment of the pharmaceutical glass.
• The United Arab Emirates announced plans to place itself as the global hub for various international pharmaceutical companies, with the number of manufacturing factories set to double by 2021. Favorable government regulations in the United Arab Emirates are expected to further enhance the healthcare sector, which is expected to drive the demand for the pharmaceutical glass bottle market.
• Further, in January 2021, the UAE-based perfumer, Salva, revealed new fragrance, Hope devoted to seafarers. Through this initiative, the brand aims to increase awareness about seafarers' plight around the world and offer support to them. Such initiatives are anticipated to boost the market for glass bottles in the country.

Personal Care Expected to Witness Significant Growth

• The country has a significant demand for cosmetic products, owing to the growing influence of lifestyle and beauty bloggers. Messe Frankfurt estimated that the country's sales value of beauty products was USD 2.7 billion in 2020, increased from USD 2 billion in 2015.
• Consumers in the UAE have a wide variety of choices in terms of cosmetics and fragrances. Hence, to capture the maximum market and enhance their market presence, the cosmetics and fragrances companies are enhancing their packaging with various materials, some of which are designed for sustainability.
• The country is also witnessing significant investments in the cosmetics industry to stimulate innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. For instance, Unilever launched a body-care product, Beauty and Planet, to drive and support the sustainable beauty movement across the Middle East. The product range aims to reduce its annual carbon footprint by 20% by 2020. The company also collaborated with Bee’ah to set up a new recycling plant for the plastic recycle management system in the UAE.

Competitive Landscape

The United Arab Emirates Glass Packaging Market moderately competitive, with a considerable number of regional and global players. However, the properties of glass and its benefits to beverages, cosmetics, and other industries are leading to increased adoption of glass bottles, containers, vials and ampoules. Players in the market adopting strategies such as product innovation, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions to increase their market share and further recyclability driving the market.

• March 2021 - SGD Pharma announced the updated version of the Type I molded glass vial range, available in three market-driven offerings, each offered to satisfy different needs and parenteral drug specifications. The offering provides pharma and biopharma companies with products and services solutions that meet the needs of their therapeutic applications, drug properties, and business environment.
• January 2021 - Frigoglass S.A.I.C. announces that the Company's beverage coolers supply agreement with Coca-Cola HBC AG, extended until December 31, 2025. Further, Frigoglass has a strong presence in more mature regions while still expanding and establishing itself in emerging areas.

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support