Petrochemicals are one of Saudi Arabia’s most powerful tools for industrial growth — not only domestically, but globally. As demand for advanced materials, energy-efficient manufacturing and electric mobility continues to rise, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a key enabler of supply chains across sectors.

With new joint ventures, downstream expansion and logistics infrastructure in place, Saudi Arabia is exporting capability alongside its energy leadership.

Downstream Ambition: Yasref and Beyond

At the centre of this strategy is the continued expansion of the Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refining Company (Yasref). Aramco and Sinopec (China) recently announced a major extension of this joint venture, which includes building a mixed-feed steam cracker and aromatics complex. The goal: to turn more of Saudi Arabia’s raw inputs into high-value chemical products that serve global markets.

This is part of a broader effort to integrate petrochemical production with global industrial demand — from packaging and construction materials to electric vehicle components and smart textiles.

Saudi Arabia is investing not just in output, but in downstream ecosystems that allow companies to build, manufacture and export more efficiently.

Petrochemicals as a Platform for Global Industry

Petrochemicals sit at the crossroads of multiple high-growth sectors:

• Automotive and EVs – where polymers and advanced plastics enable lighter, safer vehicles
• Construction – where insulation, piping and composites are petrochemical-dependent
• Consumer electronics – where casing, circuitry and heat-resistant materials rely on chemical innovation
• Food and packaging – where flexible, recyclable and hygienic materials are in increasing demand

Saudi Arabia’s production advantage is now complemented by its geographic location, energy cost structure and industrial zones, making it an ideal launchpad for companies looking to serve Africa, Europe and Asia.

Strategic Infrastructure Supports the Shift

To deliver on this strategy, Saudi Arabia is developing domestic fabrication capacity, specialised industrial hubs and digitised logistics systems.

The expansion of the SAFIRA yard by McDermott — along with Saudi Aramco’s local content programme IKTVA — ensures that manufacturing tied to petrochemicals remains efficient and increasingly local.

With port upgrades, pipeline networks and supply chain resilience becoming top priorities, Saudi Arabia is putting the infrastructure in place to support long-term competitiveness in feedstocks, materials and finished goods.

Collaboration Is Core to the Model

Saudi Arabia’s success in petrochemicals is deeply tied to its ability to form strategic partnerships. From BYD (China) for EV tech to Sinopec for refining and from inspection tech collaborations with Japan’s Terra Drone to downstream joint ventures with international firms, the Kingdom is building a petrochemical sector that is both globally connected and locally grounded.

This level of coordination — between policy, industrial capacity and market demand — is creating a model that others are watching closely.

WAM Saudi 2025: Where Petrochemicals Meet Industrial Opportunity

These developments will be in sharp focus at WAM Saudi 2025, taking place from 24 to 26 November at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre.

The event will bring together stakeholders from across the manufacturing, logistics and energy sectors to explore how petrochemical innovation is enabling industrial expansion. From feedstocks to finished products and from regional manufacturing to global export potential, WAM Saudi will highlight the full value chain.

Find out more and register at www.wamsaudi.com