Short answer: tempered glass is the stronger option and breaks into small, blunt pieces, while laminated glass holds together when broken because of its interlayer. For doors, partitions and shower enclosures, tempered glass is usually the right choice. For skylights, balustrades, overhead glazing and security-sensitive areas, laminated glass (often laminated tempered glass) is the safer specification.
Both are safety glass, but they protect people in different ways. This guide from Noor Asadi Glass & Aluminum Factory explains the difference so you can choose the right glass for villas, offices, shopfronts and façades in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE.
What Is Tempered Glass?
Tempered (toughened) glass is made by heating cut glass to a high temperature and then cooling it rapidly with air. This puts the surface into compression, making the glass up to five times stronger than ordinary annealed glass of the same thickness. When it does break, it shatters into small, relatively blunt fragments that reduce the risk of serious injury. Learn more on our tempered and heat-strengthened glass page.
What Is Laminated Glass?
Laminated glass is made by bonding two or more panes of glass together with an interlayer such as PVB, EVA or SentryGlas (SGP). If the glass breaks, the fragments stick to the interlayer, so the panel stays largely in one piece and in its frame. See our laminated glass page for details.
Laminated vs Tempered Glass: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Tempered glass | Laminated glass |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Up to 5x stronger than annealed glass | Depends on the glass used; can be made with tempered or heat-strengthened glass |
| How it breaks | Shatters into small, blunt pieces | Cracks but stays bonded to the interlayer |
| Stays in frame after breaking | No | Yes, in most cases |
| UV protection | Standard | Interlayer blocks most UV rays |
| Sound reduction | Standard | Better than single monolithic glass |
| Security | Good impact resistance | Harder to break through |
| Can be cut after processing | No | Annealed laminated glass can be cut; laminated tempered glass cannot |
Where Should You Use Tempered Glass?
- Frameless and framed glass doors
- Office and shopfront partitions
- Shower enclosures
- Table tops and furniture glass
- Façade panels and curtain walls (often combined with other glass types)
Where Should You Use Laminated Glass?
- Skylights, canopies and overhead glazing
- Glass balustrades and railings
- Shopfronts and areas needing extra security
- Façades where fallout after breakage must be avoided
- Rooms facing busy roads, where noise reduction helps
Can You Combine Laminated and Tempered Glass?
Yes, and it is very common. Laminated tempered glass uses two tempered panes bonded with an interlayer, giving you the strength of tempered glass and the post-breakage safety of laminated glass. Heat-strengthened laminated glass is another popular option for façades and overhead glazing because it holds together well once broken.
Which Is Better for the UAE Climate?
Both perform well in UAE conditions. Tempered and heat-strengthened glass resist the thermal stress caused by strong sun and large temperature differences, while laminated glass helps cut UV exposure that fades furniture and finishes. For energy savings, either type can be combined with high performance coated glass or used in double glazing units.
Important: Plan Cutting and Holes Before Tempering
Tempered glass cannot be cut, drilled or edge-worked after tempering. Confirm final sizes, holes, notches and edge finishes before ordering so all processing is done before the glass goes into the furnace.
Tempered and Laminated Glass Supplier for Abu Dhabi and All Emirates
From our factory in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, Noor Asadi Glass & Aluminum Factory has processed glass since 1986. We supply tempered, laminated and laminated tempered glass for villas, offices, hotels, shopfronts, balustrades and façades in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, with delivery across the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is laminated glass stronger than tempered glass?
Not by itself. Tempered glass is stronger against impact. Laminated glass is valued for holding together after breakage. For the best of both, laminated tempered glass combines strength with post-breakage safety.
Is tempered glass safe for shower enclosures?
Yes. Tempered glass is the usual choice for shower enclosures because it is strong and breaks into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards.
Which glass should I use for a glass railing or balustrade?
Balustrades commonly use laminated tempered or laminated heat-strengthened glass so the panel stays in place if one pane breaks. Always follow the project engineer’s specification and local requirements.
Is laminated glass more expensive than tempered glass?
Laminated glass usually costs more because it involves extra material and processing. The final price depends on thickness, size, interlayer type and quantity.
Do you supply tempered and laminated glass to Dubai and other emirates?
Yes. Our factory is in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, and we supply tempered, laminated and laminated tempered glass for projects across the UAE, including Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Al Ain.
Not sure which glass to specify? Submit your enquiry or call +971 2 554 4878. Our factory is located in Mussafah (M-13), Abu Dhabi.