Report Launch: Mapping Sand Supply Chains in the Gulf Region

Join this event launching Gulf Sustain's new research on the the social and environmental risks embedded in one of the world's most consumed resources – sand. This research, developed in partnership with Design for Freedom and Newcastle University, maps sand supply chains across the UAE, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Speakers and participants will examine and discuss the report's findings on how sand is sourced, processed, transported and traded across the Gulf, and what this means for businesses committed to responsible sourcing and human rights due diligence.

The session will bring together practitioners across the construction, energy, and extractives sectors to:

• Consider what the evidence reveals about their own supply chains, with a focus on highlighting key bottlenecks and high risk factors at the global and regional level.
• Have an open discussion with businesses directly and indirectly linked to sand supply chains in the Gulf, including sharing key challenges, approaches to responsible business practices and report recommendations.
• Identify areas of continued engagement with businesses on sand supply chains in the Gulf.

Background

Sand is the second most consumed resource globally after water, used to produce a wide range of key goods and materials including concrete, filtration systems, coastal reclamation, glass, semiconductor chips and solar panels.

In the Gulf Cooperation Council, demand for sand is particularly high. In a push to diversify their economies away from reliance on oil and gas industry revenues, Gulf states are investing heavily in major projects and across key sectors including construction, hospitality, renewable energy and technology – all of which require sand. 

A central concern is the high potential for social and environmental risks within global sand supply chains; these include indications of forced labour, poor health and labour standards, charging of recruitment fees, and illegal sand mining. Mitigating some of these risks requires higher levels of due diligence, commitment to responsible sourcing, the implementation of effective human rights policies and stronger government legislation.

15:00 – 15:05: Opening remarks by Gulf Sustain's Tamara Juburi, contextualising the session and providing an introduction to the programme, the research report and partner organisations/speakers.

15:05 – 15:15: An introduction by Emma Gallo, Design for Freedom, on their mission, the importance of sand supply chains and this research.

15:15 – 15:40: Sharing key findings from the report by Dr Chris Hackney, Newcastle University, including recommendations for businesses and forms of engagement that can take the report findings into more practical applications.

15:40 – 16:05: A Q&A session and opportunity for open discussion with participants

16:05 – 16:15: Closing remarks and key takeaways from the Gulf Sustain team.