SABIC: A Saudi Success Story of Global Leadership in the Chemical Industry
Ninety-five years after the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by founding King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, the National Day remains a precious occasion for pride and honor, commemorating a journey of a nation that built its glory and civilization on the values of determination and hard work.
Since 1932, Saudi Arabia has been on a continuous path of development, guided by the vision of its wise leadership, from the founding King to his sons. Today, the nation flourishes under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. A new era of comprehensive renaissance has been ushered in under the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030.
SABIC's Transformative Journey
Mirroring the Kingdom's journey of ambition, determination, and achievement is the story of the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC). As the Kingdom raced to harness its natural resources and convert them into value-added products, the idea of establishing a national basic industries company emerged as a strategic move. This initiative was a direct translation of the country's vision to build a pioneering national industry, diversify its income sources, and contribute to human development.
From its humble beginnings in Jubail and Yanbu, SABIC has charted an inspiring path to become one of the world's largest petrochemical companies. This was not merely industrial expansion; it was an expression of a nation's ambition to become a major player in the global chemical industry, a key contributor to the national economy, and a source of pride for every Saudi. Today, SABIC's products are found in over 140 countries worldwide.
Global Reach and Remarkable Achievements
In just 49 years, SABIC has demonstrated exceptional capabilities, achieving remarkable feats in a record time. It is now a global leader in the manufacturing and marketing of chemicals, polymers, and agricultural nutrients. The company operates from 60 manufacturing and compounding sites across 43 countries, employing more than 28,000 people. With one of the highest credit ratings in the global chemical sector (A+/A1), SABIC's brand is the world's second most valuable chemical brand, with a value of SAR18.375 billion. The company holds over 11,000 registered and pending patents.
Beyond its economic and industrial contributions, SABIC has implemented various social responsibility programs, empowering and training Saudi youth. Through its local and international partnerships, the company embodies a national model of self-reliance, building a future with its own resources and competencies.
Pioneering Sustainability and Innovation
Over the past year, SABIC has continued its transformative journey, with growth projects advancing, including the Fujian Petrochemical Complex in China and the methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) plant at its subsidiary Petrokemya. The company has also focused on improving its core business and optimizing capital.
SABIC's commitment to sustainability has earned it recognition as a leader in the petrochemical sector by the Ministry of Economy and Planning. It has also received six Edison Awards for its innovative solutions, a testament to its ability to meet evolving customer demands. This marks the fifth consecutive year the company has been honored with these awards. SABIC continues to advance its efforts in environmental sustainability, the circular economy, and innovative solutions, strengthening the Kingdom's presence in the global green economy, enhancing its international competitiveness, and positioning it as a key partner in meeting the needs of future industries.
The story of SABIC is more than just the story of a company. It is an inspiring tale of a nation that believed in its leadership's vision and invested in its people's capabilities, transforming ambition into reality. On the 95th National Day, SABIC stands as a testament to these achievements and a symbol of a national resolve that knows no impossible.
