Chemical Ambitions Rise Across the Middle East

Projects like TA’ZIZ and SLB–ChampionX deal mark region’s push to industrial diversification

14 Oct 2025

A series of strategic partnerships is reshaping the Middle East’s chemicals sector, signalling a broader effort to diversify economies and strengthen regional industrial capacity. With Abu Dhabi’s TA’ZIZ venture advancing and SLB completing its merger with ChampionX, the region is positioning itself as a growing force in the global chemicals market.

At the centre of this shift is TA’ZIZ, a joint initiative between state oil company ADNOC and investment group ADQ, aimed at establishing Ruwais as a major industrial hub. In October 2025, the venture signed a long-term port agreement to support chemical exports, a step that underscores the UAE’s ambitions to supply advanced materials used in manufacturing, energy, and oilfield operations.

“TA’ZIZ is more than a national project; it’s a regional catalyst for innovation and growth,” an ADNOC spokesperson said. Industry observers expect the project to attract global investors seeking access to the Gulf’s growing industrial and energy network.

Further momentum comes from SLB’s $8bn merger with US-based ChampionX, completed in July 2025. The deal brings together expertise in production and specialty chemicals, expanding SLB’s presence across key Middle East and North Africa markets. Analysts said the merger could support technology integration and operational efficiencies across the sector.

Saudi Aramco has also continued to build its downstream portfolio, notably through its $11bn Amiral petrochemical complex in Jubail, a joint venture with TotalEnergies that broke ground in 2023. The project is expected to strengthen regional feedstock supply and support the development of advanced materials.

Although sustainability targets and global price fluctuations remain challenges, analysts view the outlook as broadly positive. The region’s chemicals expansion reflects a strategic shift toward innovation, industrial integration, and value creation. With ventures such as TA’ZIZ and cross-border partnerships gaining pace, the Middle East is emerging as an increasingly influential player in the global chemicals industry.