In a move aligned with the UAE’s “Make it in the Emirates” initiative, AquaChemie has announced the acquisition of Abu Dhabi-based Global Chemical Company L.L.C. The acquisition, valued at over AED 100 million, was revealed at the Make it in the Emirates 2025 event and marks AquaChemie’s entry into high-value manufacturing.
This development signals a major step in localizing the production of specialty chemicals, particularly for the upstream oil and gas sector. The 26,000-square-meter facility acquired, originally part of AlMansoori Specialized Engineering—includes the only in-situ SO₃ manufacturing and sulphonation plant across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. It also houses advanced infrastructure for multi-product liquid synthesis and blending, which enables the production of a wide variety of specialized formulations.
With this acquisition, AquaChemie enhances its ability to supply essential upstream oilfield chemicals such as corrosion inhibitors, biocides, demulsifiers, surfactants, sodium asphalt sulphonate, and hydrogen sulfide scavengers. Many of these chemicals have previously been imported, leading to delays and higher operational 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.”
A key component of the acquisition is the planned establishment of a dedicated regional R&D center focused on upstream oil and gas chemicals and coatings. The facility will drive product innovation, support advanced performance testing, and scale solutions specifically designed for Gulf 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,” Mr. Anandkumar added. “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.”
Located in Abu Dhabi’s ICAD, the facility offers a strategic edge due to its proximity to major energy companies in the GCC, improving response times and reducing the environmental impact of chemical imports.
Ms.Shobitha Anand, Executive Director of AquaChemie, emphasized the broader economic vision tied to this step. “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,” she said.
AquaChemie’s acquisition of Global Chemical Company marks a shift toward regional self-sufficiency in chemical manufacturing and supports wider industrial goals under the UAE’s national agenda.
