AED 100 Million Investment to Boost Local Manufacturing and Innovation with First-of-its-Kind R&D Hub for Oil & Gas Chemicals and Coatings
The strategic move enables faster, more cost-effective delivery of solutions while significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with importing specialty chemicals from overseas
This facility is the only in-situ SO₃ manufacturing and sulphonation plant of its kind across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
May 20, 2025; Abu Dhabi, UAE – Reaffirming its commitment to the UAE's 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative, AquaChemie is proud to announce its strategic acquisition of Global Chemical Company L.L.C., a premier chemical manufacturing facility located in ICAD, Abu Dhabi. With a total investment of over AED 100 million, this move marks a transformative step for AquaChemie—expanding its footprint into high-value manufacturing, driving localization of specialty chemical production, and strengthening the UAE's position as a regional hub for industrial innovation.
Announced during the Make it in the Emirates 2025 event in Abu Dhabi, the acquisition directly supports the national strategy to increase industrial resilience, boost advanced manufacturing, and attract international investment into the country's growing industrial ecosystem.
The 26,000-square-meter facility—established in 2009 and previously owned by AlMansoori Specialized Engineering—is home to the only in-situ SO₃ manufacturing and sulphonation plant of its kind across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. It also houses a state-of-the-art, multi-product liquid synthesis and blending plant, offering exceptional flexibility to produce a wide range of specialty chemical formulations.
With this acquisition, AquaChemie enters the manufacturing domain with enhanced capabilities to produce critical upstream oil and gas chemicals—including sodium asphalt sulphonate, corrosion inhibitors, demulsifiers, biocides, surfactants, and hydrogen sulfide scavengers and various other specialty chemicals. These are typically imported or manufactured overseas, leading to supply chain delays and increased costs.
'This acquisition is a game-changer—not just for AquaChemie, but for the UAE's chemicals and oilfield services sectors,' said Mr. V Anandkumar, CEO & Managing Director, AquaChemie. 'We are now positioned to offer global expertise with local execution. By localizing R&D and production, we can respond faster to our customers' needs, provide tailor-made chemical solutions, and significantly reduce turnaround times.'
The acquisition also lays the foundation for establishing a first-of-its-kind Regional R&D Center dedicated to upstream oil and gas chemicals as well as paints and coatings. This center will focus on developing innovative chemistries, conducting rigorous product performance testing, and scaling up customized solutions tailored to the unique needs of Gulf-based clients.
'Our long-term vision is to become the go-to partner for solving complex problems in the upstream oil and gas sector through our integrated R&D and manufacturing capabilities,' added Mr. Anandkumar. 'Most companies in this space still rely on R&D and manufacturing overseas. AquaChemie will be the first in the region to bring these capabilities together under one roof, helping customers like ADNOC, ARAMCO, Qatar Energy, PDO and others get the rapid and specialized support they need locally.'
Being located in Abu Dhabi also puts AquaChemie in close proximity to major energy operators across the GCC. This strategic advantage allows the company to offer quicker, more cost-efficient solutions while minimizing the carbon footprint of transporting specialty chemicals from abroad.
In addition, AquaChemie aims to encourage many of its multinational partners to begin producing within the Emirates, supporting job creation, technology transfer, and economic diversification. 'This move is not only about growth—it's about making the UAE more self-reliant, fostering industrial know-how, and building long-term resilience,' said Ms. Shobitha Anand, Executive Director of AquaChemie.
With this milestone, AquaChemie is set to become one of the region's few vertically integrated players in specialty chemical manufacturing—firmly aligned with the UAE's industrial strategy and vision for the future.
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