Chemical solutions for Kuwait’s downstream expansion

Kuwait

Fadi Matar, Country Leader for Kuwait, Iraq and the Levant at Dow Chemical, talks to The Energy Year about leveraging R&D to enhance Kuwait’s downstream capabilities and emerging opportunities in construction and renewable energy. Dow Chemical is a global materials science company serving sectors such as packaging, infrastructure, and mobility.

What is Dow Chemical’s approach to deploying its technological capabilities in the Kuwaiti oil and gas sector?
Dow Chemical has maintained a strong presence in Kuwait for decades, primarily through its joint venture with Equate. However, its impact extends beyond that. The company is committed to addressing specific market needs with tailored solutions, particularly in oil and gas, water treatment and construction. Dow Chemical’s downstream expertise is a vital enabler of Kuwait’s industrial performance.
While Dow Chemical does not operate a manufacturing facility in Kuwait, its influence is evident through collaborations with NOCs. Much of the technical support and R&D is driven from the company’s regional hub in Saudi Arabia. From there, Dow Chemical deploys technologies suited to harsh climates and operational demands, including EOR solutions and heat-resistant materials.
In EOR, Dow’s ELEVATE solution provides cost-effective increases in oil recovery utilising existing water and gas flooding infrastructure. ELEVATE can be customised for a variety of reservoir salinity and temperature conditions for applications such as wettability alteration and thermal EOR. It helps reduce interfacial tension, particularly in high-temperature, high-salinity or carbonate reservoirs where conventional methods often underperform.
Dow Chemical’s R&D capabilities play a crucial role in advancing Kuwait’s downstream sector, which is increasingly focused on high-performance, customised chemicals. Our advanced gas treating solutions align with Kuwait’s goal of boosting gas production, as they are designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of gas treatment processes, ensuring the removal of impurities such as hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide.
This helps meet environmental regulations and improves the overall quality of the gas, supporting Kuwait’s objectives. By collaborating with key stakeholders and local organisations, Dow Chemical co-develops tailored formulations, accelerating innovation and reducing reliance on imported technologies.

How does Dow Chemical integrate sustainability into its products and operations?
Across the Middle East, customers are increasingly seeking solutions that meet technical specifications while supporting climate and sustainability goals. Dow Chemical supplies critical materials for solar technologies, including heat transfer fluids essential for hybrid solar systems that operate continuously. The company aims to align more than 85% of its innovation portfolio with sustainability outcomes by end-2025.
Durability and lifecycle efficiency are also central to Dow Chemical’s product development. For example, the company offers corrosion-resistant coatings for offshore assets, engineered to withstand Kuwait’s challenging environmental conditions. These products are rigorously tested in regional R&D centres and adapted for local use.
Dow Chemical is also supporting renewable energy initiatives across the region and is positioned to support renewable projects in Kuwait. While Dow Chemical typically enters markets through partners and distributors, it also provides technical consultation and support as needed.
The company’s renewable energy strategy integrates clean power sourcing, innovative materials and global partnerships. Offerings include silicone solutions for solar and wind, bio-based and circular feedstocks, and materials for geothermal and biomass systems. Through regional collaborations, Dow Chemical is enabling large-scale renewables adoption while advancing sustainable packaging and infrastructure solutions.

What differentiates the Kuwaiti market from others in the region?
Kuwait is distinguished by its vast hydrocarbon reserves and its fully integrated, state-owned energy ecosystem led by KPC. The country is investing heavily in modernisation through mega-projects such as the Clean Fuel Project and the Al Zour Refinery, one of the largest in the Middle East. It is also expanding its petrochemical capabilities to diversify the economy in line with Kuwait Vision 2035 and global sustainability goals. These developments present significant opportunities for Dow Chemical to deploy its proven innovative technologies.

Is Dow Chemical considering new investments in Kuwait?
At present, Dow Chemical is not pursuing direct investments in new facilities in Kuwait. However, the company remains closely aligned with Kuwait’s downstream expansion and is open to supporting initiatives that match its innovation, sustainability and business objectives.
Dow Chemical’s presence in Kuwait is managed regionally, with team members based across the Middle East. Kuwait remains a strategic market, fully supported by the company’s technical experts, regional offices and R&D centres.

What technologies and sectors are driving Dow Chemical’s next growth phase in Kuwait?
Dow Chemical is intensifying its focus on sustainability and innovation. As mentioned earlier, globally, the company aims for 85% of its product mix to be sustainability-related.
In Kuwait, growth is anticipated in oil and gas treatment, solar infrastructure, advanced coatings and digital transformation. Infrastructure projects in transportation, industry and urban development are also driving demand for construction chemicals and silicones. AI is accelerating Dow Chemical’s R&D cycles and safety analytics, enabling faster product testing and smarter site monitoring. This evolution, referred to as “digital chemistry,” enhances chemical engineering.

What message would you give to stakeholders about Dow Chemical’s future in Kuwait?
Kuwait represents a high-potential market with long-term growth prospects in oil and gas, petrochemicals, construction and renewables. Dow Chemical is committed to delivering innovative, sustainable and commercially viable solutions to support this growth.
Technology transfer will remain central to the company’s approach, and Dow Chemical will continue to explore how best to contribute to Kuwait’s progress in alignment with its national vision.

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