New Saudi-Korean joint venture to establish facility in PlasChem Park

Updated 21 April 2017
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New Saudi-Korean joint venture to establish facility in PlasChem Park

A new joint venture between Maydan Industry for Industrial Development & Investments Co. (Maydan Industry), Ahmad Kassim Al-Amoudi Group Co. Ltd. (AKA), and the South Korean technology company SFC has been signed to establish a manufacturing plant in PlasChem Park. The new facility will produce a range of surfactants, which are specialty chemicals used in the production of detergents and other applications.
A new company named the Surfactant Detergent Company LTD. (SDC) will be established as part of the JV agreement. The company will be based in PlasChem Park, a chemical and conversion industrial park adjacent to Sadara Chemical Company in Jubail Industrial City 2, developed jointly by Sadara Chemical Company and the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu.
The JV agreement follows a long-term supply agreement for Ethylene Oxide (EO) and Propylene Oxide (PO) signed previously between Sadara and the SDC partners, which will be supplied though dedicated pipelines constructed by Sadara.
SDC will be the first company in the region to use the very latest Korean technology developed by SFC. The locally sourced raw materials from Sadara and advanced technology will enable the company to create value for the local market in terms of economic diversification and job creation for Saudis by manufacturing new products at competitive prices for local and regional customers.
Abdulrahman Al-Swailem, chairman of Maydan Industry, said: “This new venture is inspired by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 which seeks to diversify the economy. The planned manufacturing facility is expected to be 40,000 metric tons with an approximate capital expenditure of SR189 million ($50.3 million).”
Abdullah Ahmad Al-Amoudi, chairman of AKA, noted: “The new project will meet the local and regional market needs for surfactants in a wide range of applications. We thank our colleagues at Sadara and the Royal Commission of Jubail and Yanbu on this occasion for their tremendous support in finalizing these agreements and their efforts to develop PlasChem Park.”
Hong Junko, CEO of SFC, said: “This joint venture is a great opportunity for us and our Saudi partners, as we are creating an advanced, cost-efficient factory that utilizes our technical knowledge to create added value for the Kingdom. The project has already been initiated by senior engineers preparing for the final engineering designs, which will be followed by construction of the plant itself.”


Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

Updated 31 December 2025
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Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

The Dubai Shopping Festival is raising the bar this winter with a high-impact sporting calendar that runs throughout December and January, transforming the city into a hub for elite competition, community fitness and outdoor action. 

From professional basketball to baseball games, polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport. The diverse lineup of events strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season. 

Key sporting events taking place during DSF: 

Dubai Racing Carnival 

  • Race days: Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and ongoing dates until March 13. 
  • Location: Meydan Racecourse 

The flagship winter racing season features international horses and top jockeys. 

More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnivaland https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnival-festive-friday 

Silver Cup 

  • Date: Jan. 10-Jan.24 
  • Location: Al-Habtoor Polo Resort and Club 

Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup 

Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge — Build-Up Ride 4 

  • Date: Jan. 4 
  • Location: Al-Qudra Cycle Track 

The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4 

Hood to Coast Dubai 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve 

Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast 

Skechers Performance Run — Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k) 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Meydan 

Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family at this popular community race offering various distances, where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run 

Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 11 
  • Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club 

One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon 

A citywide sporting season 

With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSF strengthens Dubai’s winter season for sport, well-being and outdoor experiences.