The Saudi Arabia market for Indian indian marble
Gulf construction and mosque/villa projects buy Indian white and green marble; India-UAE CEPA (in force 1 May 2022) gives preferential duty against a CEPA certificate of origin.
Indian community in Saudi Arabia (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 2,750,551 (NRI 2,747,551 + PIO 3,000) — largest NRI population worldwide.
Indian Marble specification for Saudi Arabia orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 16-20 mm slabs; 10-20 mm tiles (typical) |
| Finish | Polished, honed, tumbled, brushed (typical) |
| Treatment | Epoxy resin and mesh backing for fragile varieties (typical) |
| Water absorption | ≤ 0.20% (ASTM C503 requirement for calcite marble, typical) |
| Density | ≥ 2,595 kg/m³ (ASTM C503, typical) |
Final values are agreed per contract, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Shipping indian marble 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 indian marble is mainly produced or harvested Year-round quarrying (monsoon slowdown Jul-Sep) (ASSUMPTION). 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 (≈ 450-480 m² of 2 cm slabs), 40' HC 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, Indian/South Asian grocery chains, steel |
| 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) | dates/food retail, pilgrim hotels & catering (rice, pulses |
| Dammam | King Abdulaziz Port, Dammam (Arabian Gulf; largest Saudi Gulf-coast port) · King Fahd Inte | oil & gas contractors (industrial supplies, Indian grocery/food distributors, valves |
| 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 indian marble from India?
Usually HS 680221. Saudi Arabia applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
Is Makrana marble still available?
Yes, though quality blocks are limited and expensive. Makrana holds a GI tag.
Why is marble resined and netted?
Some varieties have natural fissures. Epoxy resin and mesh backing strengthen slabs for cutting and transport.
Marble or granite for kitchens?
Granite resists acids and scratches better. Marble etches with acidic foods and needs sealing.
Related guides
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Tell us grade, quantity and your port in Saudi Arabia. We quote CIF/CFR with full export documentation.