UAE Propylene Glycol Market Overview, 2030

The propylene glycol (PG) market in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has grown steadily over the past decades, reflecting the country’s rapid industrialization, petrochemical development, and increasing adoption of global chemical standards. In the 1980s and 1990s, demand was primarily for industrial-grade PG used in unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) for construction composites, coatings, and adhesives, supporting urban infrastructure, industrial development, and expanding manufacturing facilities. By the 2000s, transportation applications including automotive coolants, antifreeze, and airport/aviation de-icing fluids emerged, particularly in northern Emirates and areas subject to seasonal cold conditions; PG was preferred over ethylene glycol due to its lower toxicity, environmental compliance, and safety for urban populations. FCC-grade PG also found applications in food and beverage formulations as a humectant, carrier, and stabilizer in baked goods, confectionery, and beverages, regulated under UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) standards. During the 2010s, demand in pharmaceuticals and personal care increased, with USP-grade PG serving as a solvent, excipient, and stabilizer in oral, topical, and injectable formulations, adhering to UAE pharmacopeia and international quality requirements. More recently, bio-based PG, derived from glycerin byproducts of biodiesel and renewable feedstocks, has gained attention in high-value applications for pharmaceuticals, personal care, and food products, reflecting the UAE’s sustainability and green chemical initiatives. Domestic production is concentrated in industrial hubs such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah, while imports from Saudi Arabia, Europe, and Asia supplement high-purity or specialty-grade requirements. Overall, the UAE PG market has evolved from industrial-volume usage to a diversified, high-value, and environmentally conscious structure across multiple sectors.

According to the research report "" UAE propylene glycol Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the UAE propylene glycol market is anticipated to grow at more than 6.72% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The UAE PG market is shaped by domestic production, feedstock pricing, regulatory oversight, seasonal demand, and sustainability initiatives. Domestic production is concentrated in petrochemical hubs such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah, while imports from Saudi Arabia, Europe, China, and India supplement high-purity and specialty-grade demand. Petroleum-based PG dominates the market, supplying cost-effective, high-volume material for industrial applications including UPR for construction, automotive coolants, de-icing fluids, paints, and coatings. Feedstock costs, particularly for propylene and propylene oxide (PO), are closely linked to crude oil and natural gas markets, influencing producer margins and contract pricing. Bio-based PG, derived from glycerin or renewable feedstocks, is a smaller but growing segment, primarily serving pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care sectors where sustainability, regulatory compliance, and green credentials are critical. Oversight by MOHAP, Dubai Municipality, and environmental authorities ensures compliance with safety, labeling, and chemical handling standards. Seasonal demand peaks during cooler months, particularly for transportation and aviation applications, necessitating efficient logistics and inventory management. Distributors, formulators, and integrators play key roles in maintaining supply continuity, providing technical support, and ensuring grade certification. Overall, the UAE PG market exhibits stable industrial demand, growing high-value certified applications, sensitivity to feedstock prices, and increasing focus on sustainability and regulatory compliance, creating a competitive and resilient market environment.

In the UAE, propylene glycol consumption spans construction, transportation, food and beverages, cosmetics and personal care, pharmaceuticals, and other specialty applications. Construction accounts for significant volume, with PG used in UPR resins for composites, coatings, adhesives, and laminates supporting infrastructure development, industrial projects, and renewable energy installations. Transportation applications include automotive coolants, antifreeze, and airport/aviation de-icing fluids, particularly relevant in northern Emirates and air-traffic hubs; PG is favored due to low toxicity and environmental compliance. Food and beverages utilize FCC-grade PG as a humectant, solvent, and carrier for bakery products, confectionery, beverages, and flavorings, regulated by MOHAP and aligned with Gulf Standards Organization (GSO) regulations. Cosmetics and personal care applications employ PG as a humectant and solvent in lotions, creams, haircare, and personal hygiene products, with growing adoption of bio-based alternatives. Pharmaceutical-grade PG is used as a solvent, stabilizer, and excipient in oral, topical, and injectable formulations, adhering to UAE pharmacopeia and international standards. Others include industrial lubricants, heat-transfer fluids, and chemical intermediates, contributing incremental volume and higher-margin niche applications. This diversified end-use profile ensures resilience, balancing large-volume industrial demand with fast-growing, high-value, certified, and sustainability-driven segments.

The UAE PG market is dominated by petroleum-based PG, produced domestically in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah and supplemented by imports from Saudi Arabia, Europe, China, and India. Petroleum-derived PG provides cost-effective, high-volume supply for industrial applications including UPR, automotive coolants, de-icing fluids, paints, and coatings, benefiting from established petrochemical infrastructure and logistics networks. Bio-based PG, derived from glycerin byproducts of biodiesel and other renewable feedstocks, is a smaller but growing segment, primarily serving pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care sectors where sustainability, regulatory compliance, and environmental credentials are essential. Bio-PG adoption is supported by UAE green chemical initiatives, renewable energy incentives, and rising consumer preference for sustainable products. Despite higher production costs and limited domestic capacity, bio-PG is gaining traction in high-value and certified applications. Circular economy practices, including glycol recycling in industrial and aviation applications, further support adoption. Petroleum-based PG is expected to continue dominating by volume, while bio-based PG grows steadily in specialty and sustainability-focused segments.

In the UAE, propylene glycol is segmented into industrial-grade, pharmaceutical-grade, and other specialty grades, each serving distinct applications. Industrial-grade PG accounts for the largest volume, serving UPR for construction, coatings, adhesives, automotive coolants, and de-icing fluids; buyers prioritize cost efficiency, reliable supply, and bulk logistics. Pharmaceutical-grade PG, produced to UAE pharmacopeia, USP, and international standards, represents a smaller but higher-value segment, used as a solvent, excipient, and stabilizer in oral, topical, and injectable formulations; regulatory compliance, batch traceability, and certification requirements limit new entrants. The “others” category includes dipropylene and tripropylene glycols, industrial heat-transfer fluids, lubricants, and chemical intermediates, often commanding higher margins due to technical specifications. Grade segmentation affects logistics, packaging, and supply chain planning: industrial PG is shipped in bulk, whereas pharmaceutical and specialty grades are delivered in drums or IBCs. While industrial-grade PG dominates volume, pharmaceutical and specialty grades are growing faster in revenue, reflecting UAE demand for high-purity, certified, and sustainability-aligned products.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Propylene Glycol 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 End Use
• Construction
• Transportation
• Food & Beverages
• Cosmetics & Personal Care
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

By Source
• Petroleum-based
• Bio-based

By Grade
• Industrial Grade
• Pharmaceutical Grade
• Others Show more