February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

Petrochemicals are chemical compounds derived from petroleum and natural gas through refining and processing. They serve as essential raw materials for manufacturing plastics, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, synthetic fibers, detergents, and thousands of industrial and consumer products. Major petrochemical categories include olefins (ethylene, propylene), aromatics (benzene, toluene), and synthesis gas derivatives. The petrochemical industry represents a critical value-addition layer in the hydrocarbon supply chain.

UAE Context

The UAE has invested heavily in building a world-class petrochemical industry centered on the Ruwais Industrial Complex in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region. ADNOC operates Borouge, a joint venture with Borealis, which is one of the world’s largest integrated polyolefin complexes. The Ruwais complex processes crude oil and natural gas into high-value chemical products including polyethylene, polypropylene, and other polymers. ADNOC’s TA’ZIZ industrial chemicals zone at Ruwais is expanding capacity with new plants for specialty chemicals, attracting international partners. Dubai’s ENOC and other emirates also participate in downstream chemical processing.

Key Data

  • Primary hub: Ruwais Industrial Complex, Abu Dhabi
  • Key operator: Borouge (ADNOC-Borealis joint venture)
  • Products: Polyethylene, polypropylene, specialty chemicals, polymers
  • Expansion: TA’ZIZ industrial chemicals zone for next-generation capacity
  • Global position: Borouge ranks among the world’s largest polyolefin producers

Significance for Vision 2031

Petrochemicals represent a strategic pillar in the UAE’s Vision 2031 by converting raw hydrocarbons into higher-value products, increasing revenue per barrel of oil and per cubic foot of gas. The expansion of Ruwais and TA’ZIZ supports industrial diversification, job creation in advanced manufacturing, and export revenue growth beyond crude commodity sales. This downstream value-addition strategy is central to maximizing the economic benefit of the UAE’s hydrocarbon endowment.