Middle East and Africa Unsaturated Polyester Resins Market Outlook, 2030

The Middle East and Africa MEA region has seen a significant increase in the usage of unsaturated polyester resins UPRs, mostly as a result of the rapid infrastructure development in the Gulf nations. Due to their strength, chemical resistance, and cost-effectiveness, UPRs are widely utilized in major projects involving underground drainage systems, pipe relining, and modular water tanks in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Furthermore, the affordability of UPRs makes them an attractive option for water storage, sewage, and prefabricated building components, which benefits Africa's infrastructure drive, particularly in developing economies like Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.

Their low cost-to-performance ratio allows governments and private contractors to satisfy scale requirements without sacrificing the integrity of the materials. UPRs play a vital role in solar panel frames and cooling tower parts in the severe climatic conditions of the Middle East. The thermal and UV resistance of UPRs is used in these applications to increase their resilience to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and sunshine. Moreover, because halogen-free UPRs adhere to fire safety standards in public infrastructure and high-density residential projects, they are becoming more prevalent, which aids in lowering hazardous gas emissions during combustion.

As fire safety laws become stricter in Gulf cities like Riyadh and Doha, this is becoming more and more crucial because of their high resistance to hydrocarbons, saline environments, and corrosion, oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are increasingly employing UPR-based linings in oil storage tanks, separators, and maintenance systems. These resin systems provide low-maintenance performance in harsh environments while also prolonging the lifespan of critical oil and gas resources.

With innovation and compliance driving new application frontiers, the MEA's adoption of the UPR is not just expanding but also diversifying throughout the sectors of public utilities, renewable energy, industrial protection, and fire-resistant materials. Given the ongoing changes in regulatory standards and R&D, UPRs are positioned to play an increasingly strategic role in the region's material environment.

According to the research report, "MEA Unsaturated Polyester Resins Market Outlook, 2030," the MEA Unsaturated Polyester Resins market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 900 Million by 2030. Due to its robust building boom, expansion of its water infrastructure, and innovative smart city projects, the UAE is becoming a major regional hub. The footprint of UPRs in the region continues to grow due to rising demand for economical, corrosion-resistant composites in infrastructure, water treatment, and industrial storage applications.

Significant regional businesses, such as Red Sea Resins and the Arabian Chemical Company, are essential in improving domestic UPR manufacturing, lowering reliance on imports, and tailoring formulas to fulfill high-performance demands in harsh environmental conditions. These companies promote innovation in fire-retardant and thermally stable UPRs that are appropriate for the Gulf region's stringent environmental and safety laws. In wastewater treatment, desalination facilities, and smart infrastructure projects throughout Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and sections of North Africa, there are enormous opportunities.

UPRs are becoming more and more common in pipelines, FRP tanks, and liners that are resistant to chemical corrosion and pressure changes, making them perfect for these industries. The demand for composite materials that are durable and require little maintenance in these applications is increasing as a result of rising urbanization and water shortage. For UPR applications in the area, certifications such as those from the GCC Standardization Organization GSO and SASO Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization are essential.

These certifications promote market compliance and boost user confidence by guaranteeing adherence to criteria for chemical resistance, fire safety, and mechanical strength. In line with stricter MEA emission regulations, there is meanwhile expanding regional momentum in the creation of low-VOC volatile organic compound UPRs. This indicates an increase in environmental awareness in Gulf markets and a move towards more environmentally friendly and safe industrial material choices.

Market Drivers

• Increasing Water Projects and Infrastructure:Significant investments in infrastructure projects such roads, bridges, desalination facilities, and wastewater treatment systems are being made throughout the MEA region, especially in the GCC nations because of their corrosion resistance and durability, UPRs are widely utilized in structural composites, pipes, and tanks. For subterranean piping and industrial storage systems, nations such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are implementing UPR-based solutions. The UPR request for public utilities and infrastructure applications is further supported by initiatives that are expanding smart cities.
• Demand for Affordable, Lightweight Materials:The affordability and versatility of UPRs over metals and thermoplastics are significant advantages in growing African economies. For uses like modular housing and mobile toilet units, UPR composites provide benefits in terms of strength to weight, lower maintenance, and quicker installation. The use of UPR is becoming more popular in both urban and rural infrastructure development as governments strive for cost-effective yet long-lasting construction materials. Their application helps lower logistical and production costs.

Market Challenges

• Regulatory Fragmentation and Compliance Deficiencies:The MEA does not have a consistent standard for resin quality or environmental protection, in contrast to North America and Europe. Different norms are followed by various countries, such as SASO, GSO, or a partial adoption of ISO. This restricts resin trade between countries and causes regulatory ambiguity for foreign producers. Due to the rigorous certification requirements, smaller resin businesses are frequently unable to grow their markets and maintain consistent innovation throughout the area.
• Resin Performance Is Affected by Harsh Climate Conditions:Extreme heat in the Middle East and high humidity in some regions of Africa pose a threat to the durability and consistency of UPR curing. Over time, poor formulation can result in yellowing, delamination, or decreased mechanical strength. Higher raw material quality and advanced R&D are needed to guarantee stable resin behavior under UV, sand, or thermal stress, but these are not always available to domestic producers.

Market Trends

• Transition to Low-VOC and Environmentally Friendly UPRs:In MEA, there is a push for bio-based, halogen-free, and low-styrene UPRs as environmental awareness grows. Governments are establishing tougher VOC and emissions targets, particularly in sectors like industrial coatings and construction. Resin manufacturers are responding to green building standards and infrastructure tenders by investing in cleaner formulas that align with global sustainability goals.
• Strategic Resin Hubs and Local Production:Nations like Egypt, the UAE, and South Africa are expanding domestic UPR output in order to lessen reliance on imports and improve regional self-sufficiency. New resin mixing plants are being built, sometimes in collaboration with European or Asian corporations, to meet specific regional needs. This trend encourages regional innovation in specialized UPR formulations while increasing supply chain resilience.

Their low cost, ease of processing, and suitability for a variety of applications in the infrastructure, marine, and consumer sectors, orthophthalic resins are the market leader in the MEA UPR industry.

Orthophthalic resins are the most common variety in the Middle East and Africa MEA unsaturated polyester resin UPR market because they have been widely used in a variety of industries, notably the construction, marine, and transportation industries. These resins are inexpensive, simple to produce, and have a well-balanced profile of thermal, chemical, and mechanical resistance. Manufacturers seeking high-volume production without complicated processing requirements choose them because of their diverse application in the manufacture of pipes, panels, tanks, bathroom fittings, and laminates.

The MEA region prioritizes materials that are both inexpensive and trustworthy in harsh climatic conditions, especially in Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, where infrastructure development is a vital engine of economic growth. Orthophthalic resins may also be used in conjunction with the hand lay-up and spray-up procedures that are often employed in the less-automated composite manufacturing environments in the MEA. The use of orthophthalic-based UPRs is increasingly supported by the need for materials that are low-maintenance and corrosion-resistant, as governments throughout the area invest in water conservation, sanitation, and modular housing.

Due to financial restrictions that limit the usage of more sophisticated or expensive isophthalic or specialty resin types, these resins also serve small and medium-sized businesses throughout Africa. A significant benefit in hot, dry climes is that their quick curing capabilities and reliable performance in ambient temperatures lessen the requirement for pricey machinery or regulated environments. The availability of orthophthalmic resins from regional manufacturers frequently mixed or provided by local distributors increases accessibility and lowers lead times, making them even more appealing for rapid project deployments.

To bring orthophthalic resins into compliance with newly established regulatory standards as sustainability grows in importance, low-styrene formulations and better raw material sourcing are being developed. Despite the introduction of high-performance and eco-friendly resin types, orthophthalic UPRs continue to be the mainstay of the industrial resin market in the MEA region because of their cost-performance balance.

The MEA UPR market is led by construction and building because of the increased demand for lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant composite materials, as well as infrastructure investments and rapid urbanization.

Driven by massive urbanization and the construction of public infrastructure, the leading end-use segment in the Unsaturated Polyester Resins UPR market in the Middle East and Africa MEA is presently the Building & Construction industry. Under government programs like Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE's national housing initiatives, nations like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and South Africa are seeing enormous investments in residential, commercial, and civil engineering projects because of their lightweight, moldability, corrosion resistance, and low cost all traits that are necessary for making a wide variety of building components, such as panels, window frames, roofing sheets, gratings, wall claddings, and decorative elements UPRs, particularly in their orthophthalic and isophthalic forms, are frequently used in this industry. Materials that are resistant to weathering and don't degrade easily, the area's harsh environment, which includes extreme heat and humidity, makes UPR-based composites more desirable than conventional materials like wood or metal. Furthermore, water treatment plants, modular homes, and sewage systems in emerging African nations also use UPRs to create affordable pipes and tanks. Their compatibility with fiberglass reinforcement increases mechanical qualities, which translates into long-term durability in structural and infrastructure applications because of their inherent resistance to chemical breakdown, UPRs have proven to be excellent substitutes for metal in coastal towns, where the salt-laden air causes corrosion to occur more quickly. Improvements in halogen-free, fire-retardant, and low-styrene formulations have enabled UPRs to comply with safety requirements for usage in public infrastructure and high-rise structures. Their use is increasing in prefabricated components, which helps to accelerate building schedules while maintaining structural integrity. UPRs will probably become more and more important as the MEA area continues to prioritize smart cities and green buildings, aided by regional trade agreements that improve material access and domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Its greater versatility, ease of usage in a variety of culinary settings, and compatibility with fresh, prepared-to-order cuisine choices, the MEA personal chef services market is dominated by its liquid form.

Due to its great versatility, extended shelf-life efficiency, and capacity to maintain taste and nutritional value, liquid form is the dominant form for food ingredients and culinary uses in the Middle East and Africa MEA personal chef services business. This form helps chefs keep the texture, taste, and presentation of their dishes consistent, which is particularly important in high-end and event-based businesses that are popular in cities like Cape Town, Doha, Riyadh, and Dubai. Liquid formats include sauces, dressings, marinades, broths, stocks, and tailored health-based options like protein mixtures, which are essential to personalized menu selections.

The demand for healthy, freshly made meals has increased in MEA, notably among affluent and expatriate communities, as a result of the growing wellness movement. Chefs are able to create customized experiences using liquid ingredients, ranging from Mediterranean and Levantine diets to keto-friendly and diabetic-conscious fare. Liquid bases give chefs precise control over ingredients and guarantee total adherence to customer tastes because the area also adheres to dietary and cultural factors like halal standards. liquid components blend flawlessly into prep procedures with the growing use of portable cooking gear and AI-enabled smart kitchens in personal chef services, which improves accuracy and accelerates cooking.

The liquid form facilitates precise customization and fusion cuisine innovations in the high-end culinary and hotel-residence chef services, where flavor layering and presentation are of utmost importance. Freshly blended soups, emulsified sauces, and cold-pressed juices are also popular in MEA's health and detox programs. The convenience of transport, storage, and quick infusion of flavor in recipes only serves to reinforce this trend. The liquid form is not only a leading category but also the fastest-growing sector as gourmet and wellness-driven eating becomes more popular, giving chefs versatility and consumers customized, health-conscious culinary delight.

Its thriving manufacturing sector and massive infrastructure investments in line with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia dominates the MEA Unsaturated Polyester Resins UPR market.

As the largest nation in the Middle East and Africa MEA Unsaturated Polyester Resins UPR market, Saudi Arabia distinguishes itself by its ambitious infrastructure development and industry diversification initiatives under the Vision 2030 program. The Kingdom is going through a revolutionary period as it strives to lessen its dependence on oil and make significant investments in renewable energy, manufacturing, water management, and construction all of which are crucial end-use industries for UPR applications. The need for high-performance composites in bridges, façades, tanks, pipes, and cladding systems has skyrocketed thanks to megaprojects like NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya.

UPRs, particularly in their orthophthalic and isophthalic forms, offer lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional building materials, which are essential for the desert climate and accelerated construction schedules. Saudi Arabia's robust petrochemical sector guarantees a steady and affordable supply of basic materials necessary for UPR production, such as glycols and styrene. The vertically integrated supply chains of firms like SABIC and indigenous resin formulators improve local availability and lower costs.

The government's investment in water desalination and wastewater treatment has also encouraged the use of UPR in corrosion-resistant tanks and piping systems, where lifespan and robustness are paramount. The establishment of SASO Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization rules and other regulatory supports fosters product safety and consistent quality, which increases confidence among both foreign and local consumers.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia's location allows it to enhance its regional leadership by catering to both local markets and exporting to nearby GCC nations and North Africa. Along with growing interest in renewable energy sources like wind and solar farms, UPR applications in the manufacture of turbine blades and cooling tower components are also expected to increase, solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as the leader in the MEA UPR market.

Considered in this report

• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report

• Unsaturated Polyester Resins Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type

• Orthophthalic Resin
• Isophthalic Resin
• Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) Resin
• Others (Terephthalic-Based UPRs, Vinyl Ester-Modified UPRs, Halogenated UPRs, Bio-Based UPRs)

By End-use

• Building & Construction
• Tanks & Pipes
• Electrical
• Marine
• Transport
• Artificial Stones
• Others

By Form

• Liquid Form
• Powder Form

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to this industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.