Saudi Arabia Light Gauge Steel Framing Market Overview, 2030

The evolution of light gauge steel framing in Saudi Arabia represents a transformative journey that began in the early two thousands as the Kingdom embarked on massive infrastructure development projects aligned with its economic diversification goals. Initially, the construction sector heavily relied on traditional concrete and masonry systems, but the introduction of light gauge steel framing technology marked a significant shift toward modern construction methodologies. The level of automation in Saudi Arabian fabrication facilities has reached impressive heights, with many operations incorporating computer numerical control systems that manage entire production lines from raw material handling to finish product packaging. These automated systems integrate seamlessly with building information modeling software, allowing for direct translation of architectural designs into manufacturing instructions without manual intervention. Prefabricated and modular framing systems have gained significant traction in Saudi Arabia, driven by the need for rapid construction delivery in mega-projects across the country. These systems allow for off-site manufacturing of complete wall and roof assemblies, which are then transported to construction sites for quick installation, dramatically reducing on-site construction time and improving quality control. Riyadh has developed into a significant manufacturing center serving the central region's construction boom, while Jeddah serves the western coastal developments. These clusters benefit from shared infrastructure, skilled labor pools, and proximity to major construction markets, creating economies of scale that improve overall industry competitiveness. Saudi Arabia's domestic steel production capabilities through SABIC and other major producers provide a foundation for the light gauge steel framing industry, though specialized cold-formed steel grades often require importation from countries with advanced steel processing capabilities. The Kingdom's strategic location provides access to steel suppliers across Asia, Europe, and other Middle Eastern nations, though transportation costs and import duties influence material selection decisions.

According to the research report, ""Saudi Arabia Light Gauge Steel Framing Market Outlook, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Saudi Arabia Light Gauge Steel Framing market is anticipated to add to more than USD 280 Million by 2025–30. Hadeed, a subsidiary of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, has strengthened its position in the steel framing market through strategic acquisitions of downstream processing facilities and partnerships with international construction technology companies. Al Rajhi Steel has expanded its light gauge steel framing capabilities through joint ventures with European manufacturers, combining advanced forming technology with local production capacity. Saudi Steel Pipe Company has entered the light gauge framing market through partnerships with specialized cold-forming equipment suppliers, leveraging its existing steel processing expertise. International players such as Kingspan and others have established strategic partnerships with local distributors and contractors to expand their market presence while navigating local business customs and regulatory requirements. Logistics costs, import duties, and local taxes contribute significantly to final product pricing, with transportation from manufacturing facilities to construction sites representing a substantial cost component, particularly for projects in remote locations. Import duties on finished products and raw materials affect competitive dynamics between domestic and imported alternatives, with government policies occasionally adjusted to support local manufacturing development or address supply shortages. Iconic and recent projects using light gauge steel framing showcase the technology's capabilities and help build market awareness among architects, engineers, and developers. The King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh features extensive use of light gauge steel framing in its mixed-use developments, demonstrating the technology's suitability for high-profile urban projects. Various NEOM projects incorporate advanced steel framing systems as part of the development's commitment to innovative construction technologies and sustainable building practices. Trade barriers, subsidies, and bilateral agreements affecting supply chain dynamics include Gulf Cooperation Council trade agreements that facilitate regional commerce, while global trade relationships influence raw material sourcing options and finished product export opportunities.

Wall bearing steel framing is the current leader in usage. Many residential, low to medium rise buildings and social housing projects use wall bearing systems, because these match well with existing construction norms, site labour skills, regulatory climates, and speeds of delivery needed in less complex builds. Wall bearing systems allow load from roof or floor to be carried through walls, reducing the need for elaborate supporting frames in simpler structures. Skeleton steel framing’s growth is being driven by urban expansion especially in major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and in special economic zones. Projects where architectural design, façade treatments, glazing, or open interior layouts are important prefer skeleton framing because it allows less dependence on load carrying walls and greater flexibility. Hotels, high-rise mixed use towers, premium offices, and commercial centres often lean toward skeleton steel framing, which also helps in integrating services, large spans, and accommodating changes in layout or use over time. Long span steel framing is more specialized but strategically important in the Saudi context. Industrial facilities, warehouses, logistic hubs, large roofed commercial venues, and infrastructure support buildings are those where uninterrupted interior space matters. These long span systems come with higher engineering, stronger sections, and more precise fabrication and erection requirements. Their use is less frequent than the other two types in most mainstream building sectors, but where spatial openness, large roof spans, and minimal internal supports are needed, long span framing is the preferred option.

In Saudi Arabia the end use breakdown of LGSF reveals which sectors are embracing steel framing fastest and which ones are still catching up. The residential sector remains the backbone of demand, Villa developments, housing subdivisions, apartment blocks, and labor housing and social housing projects often favour steel framing or hybrid systems for walls and partitions. Steel framing offers faster build times, lower maintenance, better resistance to pests, and improved thermal and acoustic performance, which matter in Saudi climates. Builders like its predictability and the ease of integrating insulation and architectural finishes. The commercial sector is pushing adoption even further. Shopping centres, retail hubs, hotels, luxury facilities, and mixed use projects demand design flexibility, high ceiling heights, better finishes, rapid construction, and even façades with glass or complex cladding. Here skeleton framing and hybrid systems using steel are being preferred, because they allow expressive architecture, open interiors, and faster schedule delivery. Commercial developers often have budgets, design ambitions, and regulatory oversight that favour steel framed systems where speed and aesthetics matter. Institutional projects such as schools, clinics, hospitals, government service buildings are using LGSF for expansions, retrofits, and new builds. These require high standards for fire safety, durability, indoor environment comfort, and often need fast construction to meet public service goals. Steel framing fits well there, especially in more remote areas or where modular construction helps reduce disruption. In industrial end use, which includes warehouses, cold storage, distribution centres, manufacturing plants, there is strong demand for steel framed roofs, walls, and structural support. Industrial clients value durability, large spans, minimal internal columns, and speed of assembly; steel framing delivers on those.

C shaped steel profiles sections are commonly used as wall studs, floor joists, and sometimes roof members in smaller spans. Their geometry, strength to weight ratio, fabrication simplicity, and compatibility with fasteners and cladding make them the go to choice in many residential, commercial, and institutional projects. Many local manufacturers and fabricators supply C profiles of various depths and gauges to match local load and code requirements. U shaped tracks are closely associated with C profiles. They serve as top and bottom tracks in wall assemblies, as edges of floor and ceiling joist systems, and as the frame boundary for openings. U tracks help hold the studs or joists in place and anchor panels or finishes. Contractors value them for their alignment, support function, and for simplifying wall and panel assembly especially when components are prefabricated off site. Z purlins are also widely used in Saudi Arabia, particularly in roofs, wall claddings, and industrial buildings. When roofing panels need to be supported over larger spans, or when walls require external sheeting or cladding, Z purlins offer efficient structural support. They are especially useful in industrial or agricultural buildings, warehousing, or commercial sheds. Suppliers advertise galvanised Z and C purlins, and local supply chains serve both roof and wall sectors with those members. Z‐purlins also allow overlap, nesting for transport, and offer cost efficiency in weight vs strength when supporting roofing/load panels.

Examining construction systems in Saudi Arabia’s LGSF market shows which systems are most widely deployed and which are growing fastest. This includes load bearing and non load bearing walls, external enclosure walls, interior partition walls, prefab wall panels, insulated composite wall systems. Wall systems are widely favored in residential, commercial and institutional buildings because they provide enclosure and structural support, allow for thermal and acoustic insulation, deliver faster erection than traditional masonry, and align with drive for higher quality finishes. Many projects use prefabricated or semi prefabricated wall panels that arrive to site ready, reducing labour on site and speeding schedule. Saudi’s hot climate, periodic heavy rains, occasional snow in some high altitude zones, and significant solar gain require roofs which perform well under thermal load and rainfall, water tightness, insulation, reflectivity. Steel framed roof trusses, supported on purlins, often with insulated roof panels or metal roof sheeting, are common. Industrial buildings, warehouses, commercial centres especially rely on steel roof systems. Roof systems allow for large spans and flexibility in slope and finishes, and roof design is an important expression point in many high end commercial projects. Floor systems are increasing in use especially in multi storey steel framed buildings or hybrid buildings. Steel joists, steel deck composite slabs, lightweight floor panels are being adopted in situations where reducing dead load, speeding schedule, and integrating building services are priorities. However many larger structures in Saudi Arabia still use concrete floors or composite concrete over steel or hybrid slabs for their familiarity, cost structure, and local labour skills. Ceiling systems though structurally non load bearing are important for interiors, finishing, services and aesthetic quality. In commercial interiors, offices, hotels, institutional buildings, ceiling suspension systems or secondary steel framing for ceilings are common.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Light Gauge Steel Framing Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Structural Type
• Skeleton steel framing
• Wall bearing steel framing
• Long span steel framing

By End-use
• Residential
• Commercial
• Institutional
• Industrial
• Others

By Construction System
• Wall Systems
• Roof Systems
• Floor Systems
• Ceiling Systems Show more