For centuries, local artisans in the UAE have utilized naturally occurring pigments found in the landscape to create vibrant colors for artwork, textiles, body paint and other crafts. Some of the most commonly used traditional pigments include:
Natural ochres – Various shades of yellow, red, brown and orange ochres were extracted from iron-rich clay deposits found throughout the desert regions. These ochres provided the base tones for many handicrafts.
Indigo – The indigo plant was cultivated along the coasts and inland oases to produce a deep blue pigment from its leaves. This pigment was invaluable for dyeing fabrics and decorating pottery.
Henna – The powder made from grinding the henna plant’s leaves produced shades of orange-red highly prized for hands and feet designs in ceremonies. Body art with henna remains an important tradition.
Manganese – Certain black and purple manganese-rich mudstones yielded pigments with long-lasting dark hues. Manganese pigments were often used for intricate designs on pottery and architectural features.
UAE Pigment Provides Modern Synthetic Pigments
While traditional natural pigments are still employed, the modern paint and coloring in the UAE now utilizes synthetic pigments that can be produced on a larger scale. Several large pigment manufacturers operate plants in the UAE. Some of the major synthetic pigment types produced include:
Titanium dioxide – The most widely used white pigment, it is produced from ilmenite or titanium slag. Used extensively in paints, plastics, papers and other industrial applications.
Iron oxide – Various iron-containing compounds yield shades of red, yellow, brown and black pigments through controlled oxidation processes. Important for construction materials like concrete as well as paints.
Phthalocyanine pigments – A family of highly colorfast blue and green pigments with applications in paints, printing inks, plastics and more. Copper phthalocyanine blue in particular is a globally important synthetic pigment.
Carbon black – Used as a black pigment, it is manufactured by incomplete combustion or thermal decomposition of hydrocarbons. Carbon black has applications in things like tires, plastics, printer toner and other rubber or plastic goods needing black coloration.
Cadmium pigments – Compounds of cadmium sulfide or cadmium selenide generate highly pigmented yellow, orange and red colors despite low loadings. Cadmium pigments are restricted now due to toxicity concerns but remain important legacy pigments.
Organic pigments – Synthetic organic pigments can mimic natural dyes and produce an extensive color range. Examples include diarylide yellow, phthalo blue, quinacridone violet and various industrial pigment dyes.
Research And Development Of New UAE Pigments
Several research centers in the UAE are actively working to develop improved and novel pigment technologies. Areas of focus include:
Nanoscale pigments – By controlling particle size down to the nanometer scale, pigments can achieve superior color strength, transparency and other performance advantages over conventional pigments. Research aims to scale up production of engineered nanopigments.
Eco-friendly pigments – More sustainable and non-toxic alternatives are being investigated to replace heavy metal-based pigments restricted by regulations. Naturally derived or organically synthesized pigments are of interest.
Functional pigments – Pigments combined with other properties like conductivity, luminescence or catalytic activity open new applications in electronic displays, sensors, energy technologies and more. New functional nanocoatings rely on specialized pigments.
Color-changing pigments – Pigments capable of reversibly or permanently changing hue in response to external stimuli continue to be researched. These could enable dynamic architectural designs, security markings, or indicator technologies.
With continued innovation in pigment synthesis and engineering, the UAE’s vibrant coloring will remain an important sector for materials research and manufacturing well into the future.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author – Alice Mutum
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice’s dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights. LinkedIn