RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is a broad market for natural stones used in construction projects, with white and beige marble leading demand, priced between SR200 ($53.2) and SR5,000 per sq. meter.
Despite the country’s rich geological environment, which includes granite and natural stone quarries, Italian marble remains a popular and competitive option, according to Italian marble company executives speaking to Al-Eqtisadiah.
The executives said the Saudi climate imposes strict standards, noting that while marble is preferred for interior works and designs, stones such as granite, quartzite and limestone are the best choice for exterior facades due to their high resistance to sunlight and natural wear.
They added that these materials are also sourced from local quarries in the Kingdom, making them competitive in construction projects, particularly for exterior cladding, as their use ensures harmony with the surrounding environment.
They attributed the limited presence of marble quarries in Saudi Arabia to the country’s geological makeup, with mountains rich in granite and “Riyadh stone,” which has light colors suited to the Saudi environment.
Matteo Mora, sales director at Italian company R.E.D. Graniti said the Kingdom represents a major strategic market for the natural stone sector, prompting the company to strongly expand its presence to showcase its products.
He said the company’s strength lies in its business model, as it owns and operates 99 percent of the quarries from which it sources materials globally, giving it strong control over quality and supply without reliance on intermediaries.
Stone rarity and origin determine pricing
Mora highlighted the company’s portfolio, which includes marble, granite, and quartzite, noting that prices vary significantly depending on the rarity and origin of the stone. While prices start at about €100 (SR450) per sq. meter, they can exceed €1,200 for premium varieties such as Statuario and Calacatta.
He also pointed to semi-precious stones within the granite family, such as Lemurian Blue and Crystal White, which are in high demand despite their high cost due to their unique aesthetics.
From quarries to buildings
Regarding logistics, Mora explained that the company transports stone blocks from its quarries in Madagascar, the US, South Africa, and Zimbabwe to Italy, where they are processed and then shipped to clients as blocks or slabs.
The final process, Mora added, includes several stages, starting with shipping, then cutting to project specifications, and ending with installation.
He noted that shipping costs play a key role in price differences between imported materials and those available locally in the Saudi market.
Greece, Spain and Turkiye among top marble producers
He added that Italian white marble ranks among the best globally, alongside Namibia’s white marble in Africa, with strong competition from Greece, Spain, and Turkey.
He emphasized that marble remains the preferred choice for interior designs, accounting for up to 50 percent of projects, while granite and quartzite are more commonly used for exterior facades due to their durability.
Andrea Guerreschi, senior regional sales director at Italian company Antolini, said the natural stone industry has undergone major technological advancements that enhance both sustainability and aesthetics.
He noted that the company, founded in 1956, now provides technological solutions starting from the extraction of stone blocks using advanced wire machines to precise processing in Verona, Italy.
He outlined advanced techniques used to strengthen stone, including a vacuum system that injects special materials deep into the stone’s structure to remove air gaps and stabilize it.
The blocks are then cut into slabs with thicknesses ranging from 2 to 3 centimeters, followed by finishing processes that include applying a fiberglass mesh to the back for flexibility and passing the slabs through polishing machines with 22 rotating heads to achieve exceptional shine.
Marble resistant to bacteria and acids
According to the company’s sales director, Antolini applies invisible treatments that make marble resistant to bacteria and acids, addressing the long-standing issue of damage caused by household substances such as lemon, vinegar, and turmeric.
He said this technology preserves the natural shine and prevents staining, increasing the value of treated materials to about €500 per sq. meter, compared with starting prices of €200 for other materials, depending on rarity and natural stability.
The appeal of natural stone lies in its uniqueness
On digital advancements, Guerreschi said that what is often marketed as artificial intelligence in the sector is, in essence, scanning technology used to replicate natural stone patterns in engineered stone, a manufactured material that lacks the inherent variability of natural stone.
He emphasized that the appeal of natural stone lies in the fact that no two slabs are identical, giving each project a distinct identity that cannot be precisely replicated, particularly in rare varieties.
Regarding the Saudi market, he noted that white marble currently leads demand, with prices typically ranging between €200 and €400 per sq. meter.
He stressed the importance of selecting the right stone for the desert climate, explaining that polished marble is best suited for interior designs, as sunlight reduces its shine, while granite, quartzite and limestone are more suitable for exterior facades due to their ability to withstand harsh climatic conditions.
The Saudi stone widely used in residential and public buildings is limestone, composed primarily of calcium carbonate. It is characterized by its porosity and durability, with fine pores that allow it to absorb liquids more quickly.
It also provides effective thermal insulation, which is why it is commonly used in building facades for its ability to help cool structures.
Among the most prominent Saudi stones is Riyadh white stone, known for its pure color, often marked by gray or golden veins. Its rough texture and high strength make it a popular choice for exterior cladding, offering excellent durability and natural thermal insulation.
It also combines aesthetic appeal with economic value due to the abundance of its quarries in the Riyadh region.
Paolo Camiran, owner of Citco, said Italy’s excellence in marble is not due solely to natural resources but also to craftsmanship passed down through generations.
He noted that Italy produces about 40 types of marble, while globally there are more than 1,500 types in countries such as India, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. However, he added, Italian expertise in machinery and craftsmanship makes its marble a true work of art.
Rare Brazilian blue marble reaches SR15,000 per sq. meter
Camiran said blue marble from Brazil is among the rarest and most expensive in the world, with large blocks extracted from Brazilian quarries and shipped to Italy for precise cutting and processing according to architectural designs.
He added that prices for this rare type can reach €3,000 per sq. meter, making it a highly exclusive option for luxury projects.
He highlighted Citco’s more than 38-year relationship with the Saudi market, during which the company has contributed to major projects such as the Qasr Al-Hukum in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing building.
He added that the durability of marble in these structures is a testament to both material quality and execution.
Regarding design preferences in the Kingdom, he noted that demand is evenly divided between white marble, such as Italian Statuario, and beige marble, as both are visually neutral and complement a wide range of interior styles.
He added that each category accounts for 50 percent of the market, driven by their ability to integrate seamlessly with different furniture designs compared with more bold or darker colors.
Beige marble prices range between SR200 and SR600 per sq. meter, depending on stone quality and slab size, while white marble starts at SR600 and can reach up to SR5,000 per square meter for premium varieties, depending on type and quality.
Camiran spoke candidly about antibacterial and stain-resistant technologies, noting that they are often used for marketing purposes, as their effectiveness in homes is limited and typically does not exceed two months.
In contrast, he emphasized that the beauty of natural marble lies in its “liveliness” and its evolution over time, likening it to historic buildings in Rome that have weathered over thousands of years yet gained greater presence and beauty, unlike industrial materials that lack authenticity.
