UAE turns desert sand into construction bricks using a new method developed by scientists that doesn't need additional heat to harden and could reduce cement imports

The UAE is exploring a new way to put its abundant desert sand to use in construction, with researchers developing bricks that can harden without additional heating.

Scientists from the University of Sharjah produced masonry bricks using UAE desert sand and alkali-activated binders, offering a potential alternative to conventional Portland cement-based construction materials.