AAC block (autoclaved aerated concrete) is a lightweight masonry material produced from sand, cement, lime and aluminum powder, cured under high-pressure steam. In the UAE’s hot climate and fast-moving construction sector, it is being specified more often for its lower dead load, fire resistance, and thermal performance in cooling-heavy buildings.
Why AAC Is Getting Specification Attention in the UAE
Cooling load is the single largest recurring energy cost in most UAE buildings, which is why both Dubai’s Al Sa’fat green building regulations and Abu Dhabi’s Estidama Pearl Rating System push toward envelope materials with better thermal performance, not just toward mechanical efficiency. The Emirates Green Building Council’s own product listings already include autoclaved aerated concrete as an eligible material category for sustainable building credits.
For high-rise and mid-rise projects, dead load reduction is a second, separate driver. A lighter wall material reduces the load the structural frame and foundation have to carry, which can translate into smaller structural members on tall buildings — a detail structural engineers evaluate project by project rather than from a general percentage claim. For background on the material itself, see our overview of autoclaved aerated concrete bricks as a green building material.
What Is AAC Block?
AAC block is manufactured by mixing sand, cement, lime, gypsum and aluminum powder into a slurry. The aluminum powder reacts with the lime to release hydrogen gas, which creates a uniform structure of fine air bubbles through the mixture. Once set, the material is cut to size and cured in a high-pressure steam autoclave — see our full walkthrough of the AAC production process at EBLOCK for the complete sequence. EBLOCK, manufactured by Anh Nhien Xanh’s partner producer in Vietnam, is made to TCVN 7959:2017, Vietnam’s national standard for autoclaved aerated concrete.
AAC Block Grades, Sizes and Technical Data
EBLOCK AAC block is available in standard dimensions of 600 × 200 mm, with thickness options of 75, 100, 150 and 200 mm (custom thicknesses on request). Grade selection depends on whether the wall is load-bearing, non-load-bearing, or acoustically sensitive.
| Grade | Min. compressive strength | Dry density | Sound insulation (STC) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B3 | 3.5 MPa | 451–550 kg/m³ | 38 dB | Non-load-bearing partitions |
| B4 | 5.0 MPa | 551–650 kg/m³ | — | General masonry, mid-density applications |
| B6 | 7.5 MPa | 651–750 kg/m³ | 48 dB | Higher-load and acoustic-sensitive walls |
For comparison, fired clay brick typically runs 1,500–1,800 kg/m³ — roughly three times the density of AAC block at the same wall thickness.
Thermal and Fire Performance — Where Gulf-Specification Data Still Needs Confirming
EBLOCK AAC block has a reported thermal conductivity (λ) of 0.11–0.16 W/m.K. As a rough, simplified illustration only — not a certified wall U-value — a single 200 mm block at the mid-range of that figure (λ ≈ 0.135 W/m.K) works out to approximately U ≈ 0.68 W/m²K for the block layer alone, before adding surface air-film resistance, render, plaster or any insulation layer. A full wall-assembly U-value for your actual build-up should be calculated or tested separately, not assumed from this figure.
Fire resistance is reported at over 4 hours, and sound insulation at 38–48 dB depending on grade and thickness — both measured under U.S.-style test methods (fire testing consistent with ASTM practice, and STC under ASTM E413). Neither figure has been tested or converted to the REI classification system (EN 13501) or the Rw acoustic rating (ISO 717-1) more commonly referenced in Gulf and EU-aligned specifications. If your project specification calls for an REI or Rw rating specifically, ask your fire or acoustic consultant to confirm whether the ASTM-based figures are accepted as equivalent for your authority having jurisdiction, or whether fresh testing is required.
UAE Already Has Domestic AAC Production — So Where Does Importing Fit?
Unlike Cambodia or Myanmar, the UAE is not an underserved AAC market. Local producers — notably Thermostone and Exeed Litecrete — already supply AAC block at scale to major Dubai and Abu Dhabi developments, and most mainstream specifications can be met from local stock with shorter lead times than any sea import. A straightforward cost-and-schedule comparison usually favors the domestic supply chain for standard grades and thicknesses.
Importing from Vietnam tends to make sense in narrower situations: a project specifying a grade, thickness or technical data sheet that local suppliers don’t stock; a buyer who wants a second qualified source for supply security on a large multi-phase project; or a GCC project outside the UAE’s main cities that is already routing other building materials through a UAE or Gulf port and can consolidate freight. For any of these cases, Anh Nhien Xanh quotes competitive FOB Ho Chi Minh City pricing — send your required grade, thickness and destination port for a quotation. MOQ and lead time depend on your order volume and are confirmed per order, not published as a fixed figure.
On documentation: Vietnam and the UAE have a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in force, so shipments may qualify for preferential tariff treatment under the relevant HS code — confirm current eligibility and paperwork with your customs broker, since implementation details can change. AAC block is palletized and shrink-wrapped for sea freight to limit moisture exposure and breakage in transit to Gulf ports such as Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port or Hamad Port; exact units per pallet and m³ per container depend on the thickness and grade ordered.
Specifying AAC Wall Systems, Not Just the Block
AAC block should be installed with a matched system, not generic cement mortar. That system includes Thin-Bed Mortar (EBT-104) for block-to-block joints, Flexible Mortar (EBF-501) for movement-sensitive joints and render coats, a skimcoat finishing mortar, and lintels sized to your door and window openings. Installing AAC with an unmatched mortar increases the risk of adhesion or shrinkage cracking, so confirm your supplier can provide the full system alongside the block. For large-panel floor, wall or facade applications, also see EPANEL autoclaved aerated concrete panels, which use the same AAC material in a reinforced panel format.
Which UAE Projects Should Actually Look at Importing AAC Block
If your project can be met from UAE stock on standard grades and thicknesses, local supply is very likely the faster and simpler choice. Importing from Vietnam is worth evaluating when you need a specific grade or thickness outside typical local stock, when you want a second qualified supplier for a large project, or when you’re already shipping other materials through a Gulf port and can combine freight. Send us your specification either way — we’ll tell you honestly whether an import order makes sense for your project or not.
FAQ
What standards apply to AAC block used in UAE construction?
EBLOCK AAC block is manufactured to TCVN 7959:2017, with properties comparable to ASTM C1693 and EN 771-4 requirements. Dubai Municipality also publishes its own technical guidance for AAC masonry units; check the current edition with your local authority and have your project engineer confirm which reference standard your specification requires before ordering.
Does AAC block’s thermal performance meet UAE green building expectations?
Its thermal conductivity (0.11–0.16 W/m.K) is low enough to contribute meaningfully to wall insulation, which is relevant to both Al Sa’fat and Estidama envelope requirements — but the certified U-value for your specific wall build-up needs to be calculated or tested for your project, not assumed from the material figure alone.
Can AAC block be imported into the UAE from Vietnam?
Yes. Vietnam and the UAE have a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in force, and Anh Nhien Xanh quotes FOB Ho Chi Minh City pricing for Gulf-bound orders. Share your grade, thickness, volume and destination port (e.g. Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port, Hamad Port) for a quotation and current documentation requirements.
Downloads
- Technical Data Sheet (AAC block) — available on request
- Installation guide — AAC wall system — available on request
- Packing and container-loading data — available on request
- Test certificates — available on request
Contact Us
Contact Anh Nhien Xanh for pricing and product specifications:
- Email: info@aac-block.com
- WhatsApp: +84 888 69 4499
- Website: aac-block.com
- Address: 330/72/31 Le Duc Anh, Binh Tan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam