$100 billion contribution of the petrochemical industry to the GDP of the Gulf countries

The Plastics, Petrochemicals, Recycling and Sustainability Exhibition (Arab Plast 2025) in Dubai witnessed the signing of agreements for Emirati, Gulf and European petrochemical companies to establish projects that produce raw materials that serve the environment and sustainability goals, with a value exceeding 100 million dirhams (the dollar is equivalent to 3.68 dirhams). Specialists participating in the exhibition announced that the petrochemical industry contributes significantly to the gross domestic product of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, with total revenues exceeding 100 billion US dollars.
They expected the recycling rate of plastic materials in the Middle East to increase by 9.3% by next year. They stated that the Gulf countries produce more than 35 million tons of plastic annually, which constitutes 15% of the global production volume, and 85% of the Gulf’s plastic production is exported abroad, pointing out that the plastic production sector is a promising industrial sector in the region, achieving billions in profits. dollars, and employs more than 150,000 people.
Manufacturers expected the production of plastics, petrochemicals and rubber in the UAE to grow by more than 6% during the current decade. Arab Plast concluded its 17th session at the Dubai World Trade Center last Thursday, announcing the reception of more than 25,000 visitors, specialists and experts in the plastics, petrochemicals, recycling and sustainability industries over the course of three days. More than 750 international companies specialized in the plastics, petrochemicals and recycling sector from 35 countries, including Germany, Italy, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, India and China, participated in the exhibition, which is the largest exhibition for plastics and petrochemicals in the Middle East and North Africa.
The exhibition witnessed the official launch of a biodegradable water bottle. Designed to replace traditional polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles, this innovative bottle is made entirely of polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable material that decomposes under certain conditions, revolutionizing the fight against plastic waste.
The launch ceremony was attended by Major Omar Al Marzouqi from Dubai Police, who inaugurated the product and highlighted the importance of sustainability in the UAE’s environmental strategy. His attendance at the event confirms the UAE’s commitment to reducing plastic pollution and protecting nature. The new bottles, along with the caps, labels and packaging, are made entirely of poly-lactic acid (PLA)-based materials, making them completely biodegradable. This step represents a major progress in confronting the global plastic waste crisis, as millions of plastic bottles that end up in landfills and harm the environment are eliminated.

Ali Asghar Vora, Co-Founder and Head of R&D at Greenbio Products, said: “We are proud to bring this sustainable solution to the market. Our biodegradable water bottles are designed to help eliminate plastic waste and offer a more environmentally friendly option for consumers. “This launch is just the beginning of our efforts to make a tangible impact in reducing plastic pollution in the region and globally.”