Desert sand can be used in concrete. Concrete can be up to 40% stronger, after 90 days, with addition of up to 20% of dune sand instead of Portland cement. See

Desert sand can be used in concrete. Concrete can be up to 40% stronger, after 90 days, with addition of up to 20% of dune sand instead of Portland cement. See "Compressive strength and hydration with age of cement pastes containing dune sand powder" Salim Guettala, Bouzidi Mezghiche, Algeria.