The Saudi Arabia market for Indian granite slabs, tiles & monuments
Construction demand in Saudi Arabia and the UAE; Saudi SASO conformity may be needed for building materials.
Indian community in Saudi Arabia (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 2,750,551 (NRI 2,747,551 + PIO 3,000) — largest NRI population worldwide.
Granite Slabs, Tiles & Monuments specification for Saudi Arabia orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 18/20 mm and 30 mm slabs; 10-20 mm tiles (typical) |
| Slab size | Gangsaw ~270-320 x 160-200 cm; cutter slabs smaller (typical) |
| Finish | Polished, honed, flamed, leathered, brushed, bush-hammered (typical) |
| Water absorption | ≤ 0.40% (ASTM C615 requirement, typical) |
| Density | ≥ 2,560 kg/m³ (ASTM C615, typical) |
| Compressive strength | ≥ 131 MPa (ASTM C615, typical) |
Final values are agreed per contract, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Shipping granite slabs, tiles & monuments to Saudi Arabia
Typical sea transit Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) → Dammam: 6-10 days. Often via Jebel Ali transhipment; FASAH/SABER docs must be in place before arrival
Supply window: Indian granite slabs, tiles & monuments is mainly produced or harvested Harvest Dec-Feb (ASSUMPTION); Year-round. Allow 6-10 days at sea plus 5–10 days for inspection, export clearance and Saudi Arabia customs when you set delivery dates.
Container loading (estimate): 20' ~24-27 MT (≈ 450-500 m² of 2 cm or ≈ 320 m² of 3 cm slabs), 40' HC Not preferred - weight-limited; 20' used.
Quoted on FOB, CFR, CIF; CIF Dammam is the common choice for first orders.
Where buyers are in Saudi Arabia
| City | Port / airport | Buyer sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Riyadh | Inland; King Abdulaziz Port Dammam (east) / Jeddah Islamic Port (west); Riyadh Dry Port ra | government & mega-project contractors (construction materials, steel, cables) |
| Jeddah | Jeddah Islamic Port (Red Sea); King Abdullah Port (Rabigh, ~100 km N) · King Abdulaziz Int | construction, Red Sea importers/distributors, pilgrim HORECA & catering |
| Mecca | Inland (~80 km); Jeddah Islamic Port · King Abdulaziz International Jeddah (JED) | ihram/prayer textiles, dates/food retail, pilgrim hotels & catering (rice |
| Dammam | King Abdulaziz Port, Dammam (Arabian Gulf; largest Saudi Gulf-coast port) · King Fahd Inte | oil & gas contractors (industrial supplies, valves, pipes |
| Jubail | Jubail Commercial Port & King Fahd Industrial Port · King Fahd International Dammam (DMM) | petrochemical plant contractors & MRO suppliers, industrial chemicals/catalysts, PPE & uniforms |
| Khobar | King Abdulaziz Port Dammam (adjacent) · King Fahd International Dammam (DMM) | Aramco-contractor supply, expatriate retail & HORECA, Indian grocery |
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping from India to Saudi Arabia take?
Typically 6-10 days port-to-port from Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) to Dammam, plus 5–10 days for stuffing, export clearance and destination clearance (estimates).
Does Saudi Arabia have a trade agreement with India?
No bilateral FTA. India–GCC FTA: terms of reference finalised, negotiations ongoing [S7]. Saudi applies GCC common external tariff (5% most goods) A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim any reduced duty.
Which HS code applies to granite slabs, tiles & monuments from India?
Usually HS 680223. Saudi Arabia applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
What is the difference between gangsaw and cutter slabs?
Gangsaw slabs are cut from whole blocks into large uniform slabs. Cutter slabs are smaller, cut on block cutters, and cheaper.
Can I see the slabs before shipment?
Yes. Slab-by-slab photographs and a measured packing list are standard, and yard inspection can be arranged.
How many square metres fit in a container?
About 450-500 m² of 2 cm slabs or about 320 m² of 3 cm slabs per 20' container (ESTIMATED, weight-limited).
Related guides
Request a quote: granite slabs, tiles & monuments to Saudi Arabia
Tell us grade, quantity and your port in Saudi Arabia. We quote CIF/CFR with full export documentation.