Top Chemical Companies in the Middle East
The Middle East is home to several prominent chemical companies that play a significant role in the global industry.
These companies play a crucial role in global supply chains, supplying chemicals for plastics, automotive, construction, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries.
Top Chemical Companies in the Middle East
The Middle East is home to some of the world’s largest chemical companies, leveraging abundant hydrocarbon resources to dominate global petrochemicals, fertilizers, and specialty chemicals markets.
The chemical industry in the Middle East is closely linked to the region’s vast oil and gas reserves, which serve as crucial feedstocks for chemical production.
Also, many of the top chemical companies in the Middle East are state-owned or have strong government ties.
The region hosts some of the world’s largest chemical companies, many of which are state-owned or backed by oil and gas giants like Saudi Aramco, ADNOC, and Qatar Energy.
Here are the top chemical companies in the Middle East, along with their key details:
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC)
- Headquarters: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Founded: 1976
- Ownership: A subsidiary of Saudi Aramco (70% ownership)
- Products: Petrochemicals, chemicals, polymers, fertilizers, metals
- Chemicals: Ethylene, propylene, methanol, and other basic chemicals
- Polymers: Polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride
- Fertilizers: Ammonia, urea, and phosphate-based fertilizers
- Metals: Steel and aluminum products
- Production Capacity: Over 60 million metric tons annually
- Key Operations: 50 countries, major manufacturing hubs in Saudi Arabia, Europe, Asia, Americas, and Europe.
- Recent Developments: Expanded operations in the U.S. Gulf Coast through a joint venture with ExxonMobil.
SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries Corporation) is the top chemical company in the Middle East. Also, it is one of the world’s largest petrochemical manufacturers. Its portfolio spans petrochemicals, plastics, fertilizers, and more. SABIC’s products are essential for various sectors, including:
- Plastics: SABIC’s petrochemicals and polymers are used to make various plastic products.
- Packaging: For food, consumer goods, and industrial packaging.
- Automotive: Used in car manufacturing to make vehicles lighter and more fuel-efficient.
- Construction: Used in various construction materials, including pipes, insulation, and roofing.
- Agriculture: SABIC’s fertilizers are used to grow crops and feed the world’s population.
- Healthcare: SABIC’s materials are used in medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) – Chemicals Division
- Headquarters: Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Founded: 1971
- Ownership: Government of Abu Dhabi
- Products: Petrochemicals, fertilizers, industrial chemicals
- Petrochemicals: These are the fundamental building blocks for plastics and other materials, like ethylene, propylene, and polyethene.
- Fertilizers: ADNOC produces fertilizers essential for agriculture, contributing to food security.
- Industrial Chemicals: They also produce a range of other chemicals used in various industrial applications.
- Key Subsidiaries: Borouge, Fertiglobe, ADNOC Refining
- Recent Developments: Acquired a majority stake in Germany’s Covestro, strengthening its global chemicals portfolio.
As one of the top chemical companies in the Middle East, its portfolio includes Polymers, fertilizers, petrochemicals, and industrial chemicals. ADNOC is involved in several large-scale petrochemical projects, including developing the Ruwais Industrial Complex, which is set to become a significant hub for petrochemical production.
Borouge (ADNOC & Borealis Joint Venture)
- Headquarters: Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Founded: 1998
- Ownership: ADNOC (54%), Borealis (36%), Public (10%)
- Products: Polyethylene, polypropylene, specialty plastics
- Production Capacity: 5 million metric tons per year
- Key Markets: 50 countries across Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Europe.
- Recent Developments: Expanding polymer production with a new polyolefins complex in China, in partnership with Wanhua Chemical.
A joint venture between ADNOC and Borealis, Borouge is a leading petrochemical company in the Middle East. Borouge is a major polyolefins market player specializing in polyethene and polypropylene. The company is a leading provider of chemical and innovative plastics solutions for various industries. These include:
- Infrastructure: Pipe systems, power and communication cables.
- Mobility: Automotive components.
- Advanced Packaging: Food packaging, consumer goods.
- Healthcare: Medical devices, pharmaceutical packaging.
- Agriculture: Greenhouse films, irrigation systems.
Sahara International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem)
- Headquarters: Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia
- Founded: 1999
- Ownership: Publicly traded (Tadawul)
- Products: Methanol, polymers, tetrahydrofuran, acetyls, butanediol, vinyl acetate monomer
- Production Capacity: Over 4 million metric tons per year
- Key Markets: Middle East, Asia, Europe.
- Recent Developments: Expanded methanol production and included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
Sahara International Petrochemical Company is a chemical manufacturer with a market presence in more than 40 countries. It primarily manufactures and markets a diverse range of chemical and petrochemical products. Their products fall into these main categories: Basic chemicals (methanol), intermediate chemicals (butanediol), and polymers (various types of plastics). Sipchem’s products are crucial for industries like:
- Plastics: Used in packaging, automotive parts, and construction materials.
- Construction: Components for paints, adhesives, and sealants.
- Pharmaceuticals: Ingredients in drug manufacturing.
- Agriculture: Used in fertilizers and pesticides.
Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO)
- Headquarters: Doha, Qatar
- Founded: 1974
- Ownership: Joint venture (Qatar Energy 80%, TotalEnergies 20%)
- Products: Ethylene, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), sulfur
- Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): used in packaging, films, agricultural applications, and more.
- Ethylene: A crucial building block in the petrochemical industry, used to produce various plastics and chemicals.
- Sulfur: A byproduct of their ethylene production process, sold for use in various industries.
- Production Capacity: Ethylene – 840,000 metric tons per year; LDPE – 780,000 metric tons per year
- Key Markets: Middle East, Asia, Europe.
- Recent Developments: Expanding polymer production capabilities.
Established in 1974, QAPCO is one of the leading chemical companies in the Middle East. The company is one of the world’s largest producers of low-density polyethene (LDPE), a versatile plastic used in various industries, including:
- Packaging: widely used in food packaging, plastic bags, and other flexible packaging solutions.
- Construction: found in pipes, cables, and other construction materials.
- Consumer Goods: used in household items, toys, and various other consumer products.
- Agriculture: used in greenhouses and for mulching to improve crop production.
EQUATE Petrochemical Company
- Headquarters: Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Founded: 1995
- Ownership: Joint venture (Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, Dow Chemical, PIC, Boubyan Petrochemical)
- Products: Ethylene glycol (EG), polyethylene, polypropylene
- Ethylene Glycol (EG): This is their primary product, used in the production of polyester fibers (for textiles), PET bottles, antifreeze, and various other applications.
- Polyethylene (PE): A versatile plastic used in packaging, films, and various other applications
- Production Capacity: Over 5 million metric tons per year
- Key Markets: Asia, Europe, North America.
- Recent Developments: Launched a significant expansion project for EG production.
EQUATE is one of the top chemical companies in the Middle East. It is a leading global producer of petrochemicals, mainly known for being the second-largest producer of Ethylene Glycol (EG) in the world. The company operates several world-class petrochemical complexes in Kuwait, North America, and Europe, producing a wide range of high-quality products, including Ethylene, Ethylene Glycol, Polyethylene, and Polyethylene Terephthalate. These products are essential building blocks for numerous everyday items, including:
- Textiles: EG is a key ingredient in polyester fibers, which are used extensively in clothing and other textiles.
- Packaging: PE is used in various types of packaging, including food packaging, plastic bags, and films.
- Beverage: PET bottles, made from EG, are widely used in the beverage industry.
- Automotive: EG is used in antifreeze and coolants for vehicles
Petro Rabigh
- Headquarters: Rabigh, Saudi Arabia
- Founded: 2005
- Ownership: Joint venture (Saudi Aramco 37.5%, Sumitomo Chemical 37.5%)
- Products:
- Refined Products: Gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and heavy oils, essential for transportation and energy needs.
- Petrochemicals:
- Ethylene and Propylene: Key components in plastics production.
- Polyethylene and Polypropylene: Versatile plastics used in packaging, automotive, and construction.
- Other Derivatives: Propylene oxide
- Production Capacity: Over 5 million metric tons per year
- Key Markets: Middle East, Asia, Europe.
- Recent Developments: Investing in specialty chemicals and downstream expansion.
Officially known as Rabigh Refining & Petrochemical Company, it is a major chemical company operating in the Middle East. It produces and markets a wide range of refined hydrocarbon and petrochemical products. Petro Rabigh’s products are crucial for a wide array of industries:
- Transportation: Fuels are essential for cars, trucks, ships, and airplanes.
- Plastics: The petrochemicals they produce are fundamental to the plastics industry and are used in countless everyday products.
- Packaging: Polyethylene and polypropylene are widely used in packaging applications.
- Construction: Petrochemicals are used in various construction materials.
- Consumer Goods: PetroRabigh’s products contribute to numerous consumer goods, from clothing to household items.
Ma’aden (Saudi Arabian Mining Company – Chemicals & Fertilizers Division)
- Headquarters: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Founded: 1997
- Ownership: Publicly traded, with Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) as the majority shareholder
- Products: Phosphate fertilizers, aluminum, industrial minerals
- Production Capacity: Over 6 million metric tons of phosphate annually
- Key Markets: Global fertilizer and industrial chemicals industry
- Recent Developments: Expansion of phosphate mining and fertilizer production.
Ma’aden, the Saudi Arabian Mining Company, is a major global mining and metals industry player. Its Chemicals & Fertilizers division focuses on extracting and processing phosphate rock to produce a range of phosphate-based fertilizers. These fertilizers are essential for agriculture, playing a vital role in boosting crop yields and ensuring food security. Ma’aden operates massive phosphate mines and processing facilities in Saudi Arabia, making them one of the largest phosphate fertilizer producers. The company exports phosphate fertilizers to markets worldwide, playing a significant role in global agriculture and food supply chains.
Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC)
- Headquarters: Manama, Bahrain
- Founded: 1979
- Ownership:
- Bapco Energies (Bahrain)
- SABIC Agri-nutrient Investments (Saudi Arabia)
- Petrochemical Industries Co (Kuwait)
- Products: Ammonia, methanol, urea fertilizers
- Ammonia: A crucial ingredient in the production of fertilizers and various other chemical products.
- Methanol: Used in the production of formaldehyde, acetic acid, and other chemicals, with applications in various industries.
- Urea: A widely used nitrogen-based fertilizer that is essential for agriculture
- Production Capacity:
- Ammonia – 1.2 million metric tons per year
- Methanol – 1.3 million metric tons per year
- Key Markets: Middle East, Asia, South America.
- Recent Developments: Increased investment in sustainable energy projects.
The Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) is one of the top chemical companies operating in the Middle East. The company produces and markets petrochemical products, primarily urea & ammonia (nitrogen fertilizers for agriculture) and methanol (Acetic Acid & Olefins production). GPIC exports its products to markets worldwide, playing a role in global supply chains for fertilizers and other industrial products.
Tasnee (National Industrialization Company)
- Headquarters: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Founded: 1985
- Ownership: Publicly traded on Tadawul
- Products: Titanium dioxide, polyolefins, acrylics, chemicals
- Production Capacity: 4+ million metric tons per year
- Key Markets: Middle East, Asia, Europe, Americas
- Recent Developments: Partnering with international firms to enhance sustainable manufacturing.
Tasnee (National Industrialization Company) is a leading industrial and chemical company in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. The conglomerate focuses on petrochemicals(ethylene, polyethene, polypropylene), chemicals (titanium dioxide, acrylic acid), metals (titanium), and diversified industries.
Fertiglobe
- Headquarters: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Founded: 2019
- Ownership: Joint venture between OCI N.V. (58.2%) and ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) (41.8%)
- Products: Ammonia, urea, melamine, methanol, and specialty fertilizers
- Urea: A widely used nitrogen-based fertilizer crucial for increasing crop yields.
- Ammonia: A key ingredient in various fertilizers and industrial chemicals.
- Production Capacity
- 5.1 million tons of urea
- 4.4 million tons of ammonia
- Key Markets: 50 countries, with key markets in Asia, Americas, Australia, America, and Europe
- Recent Developments: Germany awarded a tender to Fertiglobe to supply at least 259,000 metric tons of green ammonia between 2027 and 2033.
As one of the top chemical companies in the Middle East, Fertiglobe is a leading global producer and exporter of urea and ammonia. Fertiglobe operates across the Middle East & North Africa with four production plants in the UAE, Egypt, and Algeria. Thus making it the largest nitrogen producer in the MENA region and the largest seaborne exporter of nitrogen fertilizers globally. The company serves agriculture, energy, and industrial chemicals industries, supporting the agricultural sector by providing fertilizers to help increase food production.
Sadara Chemical Company
- Headquarters: Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia
- Founded: 2011
- Ownership: Joint venture between Saudi Aramco (65%) and Dow Chemical Company (35%)
- Products: Polyurethanes (MDI, TDI, Polyols), propylene Glycol, polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE), elastomers, amines, ethanolamines, isocyanates and specialty chemicals
- Polyethylene: A plastic used in various applications.
- Polyurethane components: Used in furniture, automotive, and construction.
- Propylene oxide: A key ingredient in various chemical products.
- Production Capacity: 3 million metric tons per year of chemical products
- Key Markets: Asia, North America, and Europe
Sadara Chemical Company is a massive, world-scale chemical complex comprising 26 world-class manufacturing plants in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. It’s a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Dow Chemical Company. It makes many chemical products, including polyethylenes, polyurethanes, and other specialty chemicals. Sadara serves growing markets in the Middle East and Asia. Its products are also used in various industries, including construction, and consumer goods.
Nama Chemicals Company
- Headquarters: Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia
- Founded: 1992
- Ownership: Publicly listed company on Saudi Stock Exchange
- Products: epoxy resins, caustic soda, epichlorohydrin, calcium chloride, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hypochlorite.
- Epoxy Resins: These are used in coatings, adhesives, and composite materials. Nama is a significant player in the epoxy resin market.
- Caustic Soda: Also known as sodium hydroxide, it has wide applications in industries like pulp and paper, textiles, and soap manufacturing.
- Other Chemicals: Nama also makes other chemicals like epichlorohydrin, hydrochloric acid, and calcium chloride, which have diverse industrial uses.
- Production Capacity: 120,000 metric tons per year
- Key Markets: Saudi Arabia, Gulf countries, Asia, Africa, Europe, and other territories
Nama Chemicals Company is a leading Saudi Arabian chemical manufacturer specializing in producing and distributing high-quality chemical products. These include epoxy resins, caustic soda, epichlorohydrin, calcium chloride, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hypochlorite. Established in 1992, the company has become a key player in the Middle Eastern chemical industry, serving diverse sectors such as mining, oil production, pharmaceuticals, industrial applications, and construction.
